Colorado Football 2024: Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter Shine in Thrilling Victory Over NDSU

The Colorado football team launched their 2024 season with a thrilling 31-26 victory over North Dakota State, thanks to standout performances by Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. This nail-biting opener, held at Folsom Field, offered a glimpse into the potential and challenges awaiting Coach Deion Sanders and his squad as they prepare for a competitive Big 12 season.

A High-Stakes Victory for Colorado Football

Shedeur Sanders, son of Coach Deion Sanders, once again proved why he is a pivotal figure in Colorado football. Sanders exhibited remarkable poise and skill, throwing for an impressive 445 yards and four touchdowns. His connection with Travis Hunter was particularly noteworthy, as Hunter caught three of those touchdowns, including two critical scores in the second half that ultimately secured the victory for the Buffaloes.

Travis Hunter, a two-way player who excels on both offense and defense, continues to redefine what it means to be a versatile athlete in college football. His contributions were crucial, particularly with his spectacular one-handed catch in the fourth quarter, which put Colorado ahead by two scores. Hunter’s dual-threat ability makes him one of the most dynamic players in Colorado football, and his performance against NDSU demonstrated why he was one of the most coveted recruits in the nation.

For more details on the game and player stats, check out CBS Sports.

Challenges on the Horizon for Colorado Football

Despite the victory, Colorado football’s performance revealed several areas of concern that need to be addressed if they hope to compete effectively in the Big 12.

• The Buffaloes’ ground game was particularly troubling, as they managed only 59 rushing yards on 23 attempts, averaging a meager 2.6 yards per carry.
• Moreover, Colorado’s defense struggled to contain North Dakota State, allowing the Bison to stay in the game until the final moments.
• One of the most questionable moments of the game came in the final minutes when, after benefiting from a pass interference call that could have allowed them to run out the clock, Colorado inexplicably chose to throw the ball.

This decision highlighted potential game management issues that Coach Sanders and his staff will need to address as the season progresses.

For a deeper analysis of Colorado football’s performance and future outlook, see AOL Sports.

Key Takeaways

• Shedeur Sanders delivered a dominant performance with 445 passing yards and 4 TDs.
• Travis Hunter was a game-changing two-way star, catching 3 touchdowns.
• The rushing offense was a major weakness, gaining only 59 yards.
• The defense showed vulnerability, allowing NDSU to remain competitive.
• Late-game clock management decisions raised questions for the coaching staff.