The Colorado Buffaloes are going bowling for the first time in a full season since 2016.
With a 34-23 stomping of Cincinnati, head coach Deion Sanders’ surging CU football team reached the magic number of six wins on Saturday night. Just as important, the Buffs improved to 4-1 in Big 12 play, keeping pace with fellow conference title contenders Kansas State (4-1), Iowa State (4-0) and BYU (5-0).
Colorado rode the hot hands of Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. early as the two receivers combined for 184 first-half yards. Defensively, the Buffs held Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby to 180 passing yards and didn’t allow a 100-yard rusher.
Below is a quick recap of Colorado’s 34-23 win over the Bearcats:
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Moreso on offense, the Buffs finally got off to a quick start at Folsom Field. Colorado scored points on all four of its first-half possessions — three touchdowns and one field goal — to enter the break up 24-14.
You also have to be pleased with Colorado’s commitment to the run, especially early. Isaiah Augustave finished with a team-high 91 rushing yards.
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While some of the calls were questionable, the Buffs didn’t have a great night penalty-wise. Wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr.’s early touchdown was called back due to taunting and safety Shilo Sanders and defensive lineman Anquin Barnes Jr. were both charged with fourth-quarter unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.
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Wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter returned from injury in style, finishing with 153 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
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Safety Cam’Ron Silmon Craig (team-high eight total tackles, two TFLs, one sack), linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green (two TFLs, one pass breakup) and Hunter (four pass breakups) all deserve recognition here.
(Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Cincinnati wide receiver Xzavier Henderson entered Saturday with 42 catches for 541 yards, including three 100-yard games.
Against the Buffs? One catch for 11 yards.
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“It’s big for us because it’s big for the fans,” Coach Prime said on becoming bowl-eligible. “We don’t go into the season or looking at the schedule like, ‘Oh, we’re only going to win six games.’ We’re not even hitting our peak, nowhere close.”
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After a bye week, Colorado will face Texas Tech in Lubbock on Nov. 9 (time and television TBD). The Red Raiders lost to TCU, 35-34, in Week 9, dropping them to 5-3 overall (3-2 Big 12).
