Colorado continued its strong season We beat Texas Tech 41-27He improved his record to 7-2 overall and 5-1 in the Big 12, keeping alive his hopes of a berth in the Big 12 Championship and potentially the College Football Playoff. The Buffaloes, ranked 20th in the CFP, capitalized on an offensive surge after a slow start, scoring four goals and a field goal in the first three quarters.

Shedeur Sanders played a key role, throwing for 291 yards with two touchdowns and adding a rushing score. Heisman leading receiver Travis Hunter contributed nine catches for 99 yards and a touchdown. Late in the fourth quarter, Shedeur’s brother, Shilo Sanders, secured the game by recovering a key fumble in the end zone. Colorado’s ability to adapt and finish strong reflects its championship potential under the leadership of Coach Deion Sanders. Here are three takeaways from Colorado’s win over Texas Tech:

‘Saucy-T’ delivered another Heisman performance

Hunter’s last outing was notable as he recorded nine receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown, his ninth of the season. Although he was just one yard shy of his sixth 100-yard game, he matched the school record with five games with 100 yards in a season and seven with at least 90 receiving yards. Hunter also set a new school record with more than 160 total plays, surpassing his previous record of 160 plays in a single game against Stanford last year. He put his versatility on full display, playing 86 of 87 games on defense, 70 on offense, and at least six on special teams.

Defensively Hunter was a strong player despite a penalty interception. He was not targeted on 46 passing plays while on the field. Pro Football Focus (PFF) data shows he was targeted just 26 times on 269 defensive pass plays this season, allowing just 16 catches for 120 yards and just four first downs.

Hunter and teammate LaJohntay Wester made history as the first CU duo to score at least eight goals in the same season. They showed teamwork on each other’s goals, each providing a critical block to help the other score.

The road feels like home

The win marks Colorado’s fourth straight road victory, the team’s best road performance since the early 2000s, and the first time they have won four consecutive road games in a season by at least 14 points since 1989. Colorado’s defense was dominant and put together a season-high. -high 10 tackles for loss, including six sacks, three fourth-quarter turnovers and two fourth-down stops. Shilo Sanders sealed the victory with a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown in the final minute, his second career defensive score.

Coach Prime and Buffs are under control

With Kansas defeating Iowa State, Colorado (5-1 in Big 12 play) now controls its destiny in the race for a spot in the Big 12 Championship game, falling behind only BYU in the standings. The undefeated Cougars face rival Utah in the Holy War on Saturday night. Colorado invites Utes to Boulder next Saturday at noon ET.