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Recapping Colorado's blowout win over the Wildcats

jack carlough
·2 min read
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TUCSON, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 19: Quarterback Noah Fifita #11 of the Arizona Wildcats is sacked by Nikhai Hill-Green #41 of the Colorado Buffaloes during the first half of the NCAAF game at Arizona Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TUCSON, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 19: Quarterback Noah Fifita #11 of the Arizona Wildcats is sacked by Nikhai Hill-Green #41 of the Colorado Buffaloes during the first half of the NCAAF game at Arizona Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Despite losing two-way superstar Travis Hunter for the entire second half, the Colorado Buffaloes secured a dominant 34-7 road win over the Arizona Wildcats on Saturday afternoon. Head coach Deion Sanders' Buffs started fast and finished strong, cruising to their third Big 12 victory.

While four different Buffs scored either a rushing or receiving touchdown, Colorado's defense stole the show in Tucson. Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita was harassed throughout and star wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan was held to only 38 receiving yards.

Now sitting 5-2 overall (3-1 Big 12), the Buffs are one win away from becoming bowl-eligible for the first time in a full season since 2016.

Here's a quick recap of Colorado's strong showing against Arizona:

The good

Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes center back Colton Hood (3) picks up and throws Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Chris Hunter (16) to the ground during the fourth quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images
Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes center back Colton Hood (3) picks up and throws Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Chris Hunter (16) to the ground during the fourth quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Colorado's defense played arguably its best game of the year, tallying seven sacks, seven TFLs, one interception and two fumble recoveries.

The bad

TUCSON, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 19: Wide receiver Travis Hunter #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes lines up during the first half of the NCAAF game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TUCSON, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 19: Wide receiver Travis Hunter #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes lines up during the first half of the NCAAF game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Although his injury doesn't appear serious, Travis Hunter leaving early for "preventative measures" wasn't ideal. It might be wise to sit the two-way superstar against Cincinnati next Saturday with another bye week coming up after.

Offensive MVP

TUCSON, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 19: Wide receiver LaJohntay Wester #10 of the Colorado Buffaloes reacts to a first-down reception against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half of the NCAAF game at Arizona Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TUCSON, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 19: Wide receiver LaJohntay Wester #10 of the Colorado Buffaloes reacts to a first-down reception against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half of the NCAAF game at Arizona Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Wide receiver LaJohntay Wester hauled in a season-high 127 receiving yards on eight catches.

Defensive MVP

Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) gets sacked by Colorado Buffaloes defensive end Samuel Okunlola (93) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) gets sacked by Colorado Buffaloes defensive end Samuel Okunlola (93) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Besides his roughing the passer penalty, defensive lineman Samuel Okunlola enjoyed a big day blowing past Arizona's O-line. The Pitt transfer finished with two sacks and two tackles for loss.

Standout stat

Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes inside linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green (41) sacks Arizona Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita (11) during the second quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images
Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes inside linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green (41) sacks Arizona Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita (11) during the second quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Colorado's seven sacks on the afternoon marked the team's most in a single game since 2010.

Noteworthy quote

Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes safety Shilo Sanders (21) tackles Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Jeremiah Patterson (2) during the first quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images
Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes safety Shilo Sanders (21) tackles Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Jeremiah Patterson (2) during the first quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Here's what safety Shilo Sanders said following the win (h/t Jake Schwanitz of DNVR Buffs):

“This game was the biggest for the team, especially for me. It just shows you how we can go out there and accomplish anything.”

What's next?

Cincinnati Bearcats defensive back Kalen Carroll (21) runs downfield as Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Laterrance Welch (3) goes to tackle him in the fourth quarter of the College Football game at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024.
Cincinnati Bearcats defensive back Kalen Carroll (21) runs downfield as Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Laterrance Welch (3) goes to tackle him in the fourth quarter of the College Football game at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024.

Needing a win to secure bowl eligibility, the Buffaloes will host Cincinnati on Saturday, Oct. 26. The Bearcats are also 5-2 (3-1 Big 12) after taking down Arizona State in Week 8, 24-14.

Kickoff between Colorado and Cincinnati is set for 8:15 p.m. MT on ESPN.

This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Recapping Colorado's blowout win over the Wildcats