The Colorado Buffaloes took out their frustrations against their in-state rival and got back on track with a 28-9 decisive win over the Colorado State Rams on Saturday.
“We just weren’t good enough,” Colorado State coach Jay Norvell said. “I mean, there’s only a couple of ways to do that (prepare for the moment) — either get players better or replace players. It’s that simple.”
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders had time in the pocket and threw two touchdown passes to Heisman Trophy candidate, wide receiver Travis Hunter, as the Rams were careless with the rock, turning it over four times. The Buffaloes (2-1) had a double-digit lead, 14-3, after 30 minutes of play, thanks to a pair of touchdown passes to LaJohntay Wester, and were able to cruise in the second half as Hunter added to the lead.
The Buffaloes made it known that they are the big brother in this relationship. This was the seventh straight win by Colorado (2-1) over Colorado State (1-2). The Rams will be forced to swallow this pill and let the skid marinate for the next five years, with the in-state rivalry not on the schedule again until 2029.
“Great. Darn. Victory,” Colorado coach Deion Sanders said. “We just wanted it to be decisive.”
It is not time to celebrate just yet. There is still a plethora of reasons to ring the alarm bell about the Buffaloes. Colorado had moderate success with their ground and pound attack but had much more confidence in the passing game. Micah Welch had a 25-yard run and the Buffs finished with 109 rushing yards. However, Colorado chose to become one-dimensional and go away from the running game, even when it was working, carrying the ball just 19 times and Sanders threw the ball 49 times. That formula will not work against the stronger teams.
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite the fact that Sanders was not officially sacked by the Rams, the offensive line still showed that they have some leaks and are massive work in progress. That may not matter against lesser competition like Colorado State, but it will no doubt be an issue in conference play if there is not significant improvement and fast.
Colorado State signal caller Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi threw an unacceptable interception in the second half that allowed Colorado to extend the lead to three scores. As the Buffaloes led 14-3 in the third quarter, Fowler-Nicolosi broke every rule in the book and threw across his body into the middle of the field. Preston Hodge was there for the interception and Hunter got his first touchdown of the game a few plays later.
Hunter then picked off Fowler-Nicolosi late in the third on fourth down. He was assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty also. Hunter then added a second receiving touchdown late in the third quarter.
“It meant a lot,” Hunter said of playing Colorado State after missing a good portion of the game last season.
Sanders could not be stopped, completing 36-of-49 passing for 310 yards. Thirteen of those completions went to his favorite target Hunter as he had 100 yards. Wester had five receptions for 80 yards.
This is what rivalries are all about. There was some trash talking leading into the game, which Shedeur Sanders took personal.
“Just a little bit of extra motivation when they’re talking crazy,” Sanders said. “So, yeah, they just asked for it.”
Colorado begins Big 12 play in Week 4 with a home game against the Baylor Bears before a trip to UCF. Colorado State (1-2) is at home against UTEP next week in its final non-conference game of the season before Mountain West play begins.
