CU Buffs meet the moment, roll past Colorado State

''CU Buffs meet the moment, roll past Colorado State''

FORT COLLINS – As college students, Colorado Buffaloes football players are very much engaged with social media. Their handles are even displayed on the backs of their practice jerseys, symbolizing their presence online. This engagement isn’t just a casual affair; it’s a part of their lives that occasionally becomes intertwined with their performance on the field.

On Saturday night, the Buffaloes had a lot to prove. After a challenging start to the season, the team delivered a resounding 28-9 victory over the Colorado State Rams in the latest Rocky Mountain Showdown. The win was not only a significant moment for Colorado but also a response to the chatter that had been buzzing on social media and among fans.

Head coach Deion Sanders, known for his outspoken nature, addressed the impact of the week’s buildup and the ensuing criticism. “We heard all the foolishness,” Sanders remarked after the game. “There were people saying we should abandon the season after one loss. Do you know how many great teams have lost only one game? We’re one of them, and we believe in our potential.”

The Buffaloes (2-1) were clearly motivated by the skepticism that followed their 28-10 defeat to Nebraska on September 7. Critics had pointed fingers at Colorado’s offensive line and questioned their running game after two challenging weeks. The line responded impressively against the Rams, giving quarterback Shedeur Sanders the protection he needed and enabling the running backs to amass a season-high 109 rushing yards. Sanders was only sacked once, and that was a result of him giving himself up rather than being pressured by the defense.

The buildup to this game was further charged by remarks from Colorado State's stars, Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi and Tory Horton. In an interview released earlier in the week, the two Rams players had taken jabs at the Buffaloes, adding extra motivation to Colorado’s preparation. The Buffaloes, who have now won seven consecutive Showdowns, used this as fuel to drive their performance.

“They gave us a little extra motivation with their comments,” Shedeur Sanders said. “We don’t usually engage in trash talk or put other players down, but their comments gave us a reason to elevate our game.”

With the pressure mounting after the Nebraska loss and the added spark from CSU’s taunts, the Buffaloes approached their game at Canvas Stadium with a focused determination. Unlike the previous week’s performance in Lincoln, Neb., where they fell short, Colorado came ready to seize the moment.

Coach Sanders expressed pride in his team's resilience. “I’m truly proud of how they responded,” he said. “From the moment we arrived, we heard the negativity and derogatory remarks, but we stood tall. We heard everything. It was a lot to take in, but these guys stood up and delivered.”

The Buffaloes shook off an initially slow start and put forth a dominating performance that allowed them to retain the Centennial Cup. Colorado has held the Cup since their victory in 2015 and will continue to do so until the next Showdown in 2029.

Offensively, Colorado was led by Shedeur Sanders, who threw for 310 yards and four touchdowns. Travis Hunter made a significant impact with 13 receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns, while LaJohntay Wester added five catches for 80 yards and two touchdowns. The offense showcased a well-rounded attack, demonstrating both aerial prowess and ground game efficiency.

Defensively, the Buffaloes were equally impressive. They recorded their first takeaway of the season and added three more, including an interception by Hunter. Dayon Hayes contributed with two sacks, DJ McKinney excelled with three pass breakups and a team-high seven tackles, and linebackers Nikhai Hill-Green and LaVonta Bentley played exceptional roles throughout the game.

Colorado State's Fowler-Nicolosi struggled against the Buffaloes' defense, throwing for just 209 yards and being intercepted twice. Tory Horton, who was questionable heading into the game due to an injury, had a limited impact with only two catches for 24 yards before sitting out the second half.

Coach Sanders was pleased with the overall performance, noting, “It was a great victory. Our offensive line was phenomenal, both in run blocking and pass protection. The defense picked up where it left off from last week’s game, maintaining momentum throughout. We did what we needed to do to secure a decisive win.”

In recent years, decisive victories have been rare for Colorado. With Coach Sanders now holding a 6-9 record at CU, including four one-score wins, this emphatic win against CSU was a significant step forward. The performance sent the record crowd of 40,099 fans home early, clearly establishing the Buffaloes' dominance.

Most importantly, the victory allowed the Buffaloes to regain their momentum. As they prepare for their Big 12 Conference opener against Baylor next week, the win against Colorado State provides a much-needed boost.

“It was crucial to get this win,” Travis Hunter said. “We let the talk go in one ear and out the other. Our focus was on doing our job, coming out fast, and playing hard.”

The Buffaloes’ triumph over the Rams was not just a statement of their capabilities but also a testament to their ability to rise above external pressures and criticisms.