Travis Hunter's Heisman moment highlights Colorado's impressive win over UCF

It was still relatively early in Saturday's game when, during a stoppage of play, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders ran onto the field to celebrate with his offensive linemen. Sanders bounced across the rain-soaked grass at FBC Mortgage Stadium and jumped into the chest of left tackle Jordan Seaton, a five-star freshman and the jewel of the Buffaloes' most recent recruiting class. They celebrated together because an unsightly offensive line that has been the primary culprit in Colorado's undoing the last two seasons was finally mauling an opponent in the trenches. And the Buffaloes could finally run the football because of it.

A mixture of run-pass balance and trench toughness that has largely eluded Colorado since Sanders took over two years ago fueled the Buffaloes to an impressive 48-21 win over previously unbeaten UCF on a weather-delayed afternoon that will shake up the Big 12 hierarchy. With four victories before the end of September, Colorado has already matched its win total from last season and is now within striking distance of reaching a bowl game for the first time since 2020, the second time since 2016, and only the third time since 2007.

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders shook off an early interception to complete 28 of 35 passes for 290 yards and three touchdowns. Cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter led the Buffaloes in receiving with nine catches for 89 yards and a score. He also notched his second interception of the season as the Buffaloes improved to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the Big 12. 

Here are some quick takeaways from the game:

Early difference

One of the reasons why UCF entered this weekend as a multi-score favorite over Colorado was an elite rushing attack that averaged 375.7 yards per game, best in