Travis Hunter Shines as Colorado Buffaloes Cruise to 28-9 Victory Over Colorado State

The Colorado Buffaloes (2-1) continued their winning streak against the Colorado State Rams (1-2) with a commanding 28-9 victory in the first Rocky Mountain Showdown held in Fort Collins since 1996. The win marked the Buffs’ seventh straight triumph in the in-state rivalry, which won’t resume again until 2029.

Hunter’s Two-Way Dominance

Two-way standout Travis Hunter was a game-changer on both sides of the ball, catching two of quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ four touchdown passes and adding an interception to his stat line. Hunter was a reliable target throughout the game, hauling in 13 receptions for 100 yards. He displayed his defensive prowess in the secondary as well, contributing to Colorado’s impressive defensive performance.

After his interception, Hunter celebrated with teammates, drawing an unsportsmanlike penalty by spinning the football and gathering around it as if warming their hands by a campfire. It was clear that Hunter was enjoying every moment of this game, dancing on the field at every opportunity. This was especially poignant given last season’s injury when Hunter had to leave the game with a lacerated liver following a hit by Rams safety Henry Blackburn. This time, Hunter responded to a bump from Blackburn on a 21-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter by dancing once more, showing he had fully put the past behind him.

LaJohntay Wester Impresses as New Transfer

New transfer wide receiver LaJohntay Wester made an immediate impact, showcasing his talents with two touchdown catches. Wester caught five passes for 80 yards, providing a significant boost to Colorado’s offense. His ability to find the end zone and connect with Sanders was key in opening up the Buffaloes’ passing attack, keeping the Rams’ defense on their heels. Wester’s dynamic playmaking adds another weapon to Colorado’s offense, and his strong start as a newcomer bodes well for the team moving forward.

Shedeur Sanders Leads the Way

Shedeur Sanders was instrumental in leading the Buffaloes’ offensive resurgence after a slow start. He completed 36 of 49 passes for 310 yards and four touchdowns. Sanders connected with Wester for two scores and kept the Colorado State defense off balance with his precision passing. The Buffaloes were down 3-0 midway through the second quarter but rallied with 28 unanswered points to take control of the game.

The offensive line, searching for consistency, provided strong protection for Sanders, allowing just one sack late in the fourth quarter with the game well in hand. This performance was a positive sign following the previous week’s 28-10 loss to Nebraska, where the offense struggled to find its rhythm.

Defensive Takeaways and Turnovers

Colorado’s defense came up big, forcing four turnovers to stifle the Rams’ offense. Along with Hunter’s interception, defensive back Preston Hodge also grabbed a pick, while LaVonta Bentley and B.J. Green each recovered a fumble. The defense’s strong showing helped the Buffaloes maintain momentum and control throughout the game.

Building a Ground Game

The Buffaloes made strides in their ground game despite tailback Dallan Hayden being sidelined. They finished with 109 rushing yards after entering the game with just 75 yards combined in their first two games. Micah Welch provided a spark with a 25-yard run in the first half, demonstrating the potential for Colorado’s rushing attack to evolve as the season progresses.

Rams’ Efforts and a Look Ahead

For Colorado State, quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi finished with 209 passing yards but was hampered by two interceptions. The Rams struggled to find offensive rhythm against Colorado’s tenacious defense. Justin Marshall managed a late touchdown to put the Rams on the board, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.

This was a significant week for Colorado State as the school announced it would be joining the Pac-12 in 2026, part of an effort to rebuild the athletic conference. Meanwhile, the Buffaloes made their own conference move this season, leaving the Pac-12 for the Big 12.

Injury Updates

The Buffaloes were without several key players, including defensive lineman Chidozie Nwankwo and defensive backs Shilo Sanders, Savion Riley, and Isaiah Hardge. Despite these absences, the team showcased its depth and resilience. For Colorado State, their top wideout, Tory Horton, appeared hobbled throughout the game and finished with just two catches for 24 yards.

Colorado demonstrated their ability to bounce back from adversity, finding offensive balance and executing well on defense. The addition of LaJohntay Wester as a new transfer is proving to be a game-changer, providing the Buffaloes with a versatile threat in the passing game. The victory not only extends their dominance in the rivalry but also provides momentum as they prepare to host Baylor next Saturday.

For Colorado State, the last home win against the Buffaloes dates back to 1955. While they showed flashes of potential, the Rams will have to regroup as they continue their season.

Looking Ahead

Colorado vs. Baylor, September 21 at 5:30pm (Folsom Field)