Sanders, Hunter Lead Colorado to Narrow Win
Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter delivered a dominant performance, securing a 31-26 victory over FCS powerhouse North Dakota State.
The Buffaloes’ offense, led by Heisman Trophy candidate Shedeur Sanders, showcased impressive passing prowess throughout the game. Sanders completed 26-of-34 passes for 445 yards and four touchdowns, three of which went to teammate Travis Hunter. Hunter, a versatile player who also saw time at cornerback, finished with seven receptions for 132 yards.
Despite Colorado’s offensive dominance, the game remained close until the final minutes. North Dakota State’s defense put up a strong fight, keeping the Buffaloes’ running game in check and forcing Sanders to rely primarily on his passing.
However, Sanders’ ability to make big plays downfield proved to be the difference. His deep passes to Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. consistently kept the Bison defense on their heels.
The game’s turning point came late in the fourth quarter when Hunter made a spectacular 3-yard touchdown catch, giving Colorado a 31-20 lead. The acrobatic play drew praise from NBA superstar LeBron James, who tweeted, “MAN TRAVIS HUNTER IS RIDICULOUS!!!!! WOW.”
While the Buffaloes’ offense shined, their defense still has room for improvement. North Dakota State’s Cam Miller managed to find success on the ground, rushing for two touchdowns and passing for another. However, Colorado’s defensive front was able to limit Miller’s opportunities and keep the Bison’s offense from gaining momentum.
The victory marks a solid start for Colorado in Year 2 under coach Deion Sanders. While the Buffaloes’ offense looks poised for another successful season, their defense will need to continue to improve to compete at the highest level.