Colorado Dominates Oklahoma State in Season Finale, Hunter Shines
In a stunning display of football prowess, the Colorado Buffaloes capped off their regular season with a 52-0 victory over the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Friday, November 29, 2024, at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado. The game showcased the Buffaloes’ dominance on both sides of the ball and highlighted the exceptional performance of their star player, Travis Hunter.
A Tale of Two Teams:
Colorado’s Triumph
The Buffaloes, led by head coach Deion Sanders, finished their regular season with an impressive 9-3 record. Their commanding win over Oklahoma State solidified their position as a formidable force in college football and kept their hopes alive for a potential Big 12 championship game appearance.
Oklahoma State’s Struggles
On the other side of the field, the Cowboys experienced a disheartening end to a challenging season. Under head coach Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State finished with a 3-9 record, marking their worst performance over two decades. The loss to Colorado was excruciating, as it left the Cowboys winless in Big 12 play for the first time since 1994.
Travis Hunter: A Heisman Trophy Contender
The show’s star was undoubtedly Travis Hunter, who performed spectacularly, which may have sealed his case for the Heisman Trophy.
Record-Breaking Performance
Hunter’s achievements in the game were nothing short of remarkable:
- Caught three touchdown passes, breaking Colorado’s single-season touchdown receptions record (now at 14)
- Intercepted a pass on the game’s first series
- Became the first FBS player since at least 1996 to record three touchdowns and an interception in a single game
Heisman Trophy Implications
Hunter’s outstanding play has made him the overwhelming favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. His odds soared during the game, reaching as high as -25000. If he wins, Hunter would become:
- Colorado’s second Heisman winner, following Rashaan Salaam in 1994
- The first player to win the award while playing a defensive position full-time since Charles Woodson in 1997
Shedeur Sanders: A Record-Setting Quarterback
While Hunter stole the spotlight, quarterback Shedeur Sanders also had a remarkable game:
- They threw for 438 yards and five touchdowns
- Became the first Colorado player to win the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award
Looking Ahead
Colorado’s postseason fate remains uncertain as the regular season comes to a close. The Buffaloes will need help from other teams to secure a spot in the Big 12 championship game. Regardless of the outcome, Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders have confirmed their intention to play in the team’s upcoming bowl game.
A New Star on the Horizon
While Hunter’s performance captivated audiences, another player quietly made his mark. Isaiah Hardge, a redshirt freshman, emerged as Colorado’s first three-way player, seeing significant snaps at receiver, corner, and special teams. As Hunter likely moves on to the NFL draft, Hardge could be poised to fill the void and continue Colorado’s tradition of versatile, multi-position players.
As the 2024 college football season draws to a close, the Colorado Buffaloes have certainly left their mark, thanks to the exceptional performances of Travis Hunter, Shedeur Sanders, and the emerging talent of Isaiah Hardge. The future looks bright for Coach Prime’s program in Boulder.