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The Buffaloes steamrolled UCF 48-21 to move to 4-1 on the season
Recap:
This Saturday, Colorado traveled to Orlando to take on the UCF Knights. Entering the game as 14-point underdogs, it quickly became clear that the Buffs were the better team. Early on, Colorado found success in the run game, passing attack, and on defense. They built a 27-14 halftime lead and that margin only grew as the Buffs ultimately secured the 48-21 victory.
This was exactly the kind of game Colorado needed, one where they not only executed big plays but also thrived in the finer details. In the aftermath of this win, we’ll break down why Colorado succeeded, highlight key improvements, review standout players, and explore how this performance could shape the rest of the Buffs’ season.
What Went Right:
This was a statement win for the Buffs—a victory that was both necessary and showcased just how much improvement we’ve seen this season. Thinking back to Week 1, when Colorado struggled to establish a run game and protect the quarterback against an FCS school, it’s clear that this team has made significant strides, especially against a Big 12 opponent. I want to focus on three key areas where the Buffs have shown noticeable improvement over the past five weeks.
Offensive Line:
The biggest complaint from both fans and media last season—and even this season—was Colorado’s offensive line. We’ve seen personnel changes week to week, and even drive to drive at times. This Saturday, however, we saw a group that seemed to communicate well, benefit from improved play calling, and make better adjustments to UCF’s defense. Ultimately, we saw improvement in both the rushing and passing games, and here’s why.
Early in this game, the Buffs did something we haven’t seen all year: they established the run. The rushing attack was powered by a three-headed monster in Hayden, Welch and Augustave. Each back brought a unique skill set, with Welch emerging as the power runner despite being the shortest of the group. The offensive line was also crucial in this effort, as they finally imposed their will, winning battles in rushing situations and dominating the line of scrimmage. This dominant performance up front opened up the passing game, and from there, the game was never close.
Once the rushing attack was established, Colorado leaned on Shedeur Sanders’ arm to take advantage of the heavier boxes and man coverage looks UCF showed. Most of the time, Shedeur enjoyed clean pockets and showcased his ability to maintain composure, step up in the pocket, and deliver accurate throws at all three levels. This also allowed him to spread the ball to all four of his main receivers: Horn, Wester, Hunter, and Sheppard. The offense incorporated some designed quarterback rollouts, and overall, it was a much better game from a play-calling perspective. Colorado will need to analyze what went right and make sure they carry this momentum through the bye week, while saying adaptable with in-game changes
Defensive Line
Questions have been swirling around Colorado’s defensive line, and this unit’s inconsistency was part of the reason the spread for this game was as large as it was. Most people, including Colorado fans, expected UCF to run the ball repeatedly, thinking Colorado wouldn’t have an answer. However, on Saturday, we saw the exact opposite. RJ Harvey was bottled up for the most part. While Harvey had some limited success here and there, most of UCF’s rushing production came from quarterback KJ Jefferson down the stretch.
UCF relied too heavily on Jefferson’s legs for positive plays. In the second half, we saw the offensive staff repeatedly call Jefferson’s number in key moments, wearing him down with run after run. Jefferson took some big hits and managed to stay in the game, but I believe it impacted him. His productivity in the passing game dropped from last week, despite receivers being open at times. As the Colorado defensive line applied more pressure, Jefferson seemed to get rid of the ball quicker and quicker. Moving forward, the Buffs’ D-line will need to improve slightly when it comes to stopping quarterback runs, but this is nitpicking after what was otherwise a phenomenal performance.
Key Players:
Travis Hunter
Travis did everything right to boost his Heisman candidacy. Offensively, he totaled 89 receiving yards and a touchdown on nine catches. Defensively, he recorded an incredible interception and delivered strong coverage throughout the game. The entire team seemed to rally around Travis this week, and he still managed to make his usual big plays. If he continues performing at this level, it will be impossible to keep him out of the Heisman conversation.
Will Sheppard
Buffs fans have seen breakout games from Horn (NDSU) and Wester (CSU), but they’ve been waiting for more from Sheppard this season. He finally delivered, finishing with 99 yards and a touchdown on just four receptions. Most of his production came on a spectacular 47-yard touchdown, off a beautiful pass that seemed to float forever from Shedeur Sanders. If the Buffaloes want Sheppard to have a bigger role in the offense, back-shoulder throws and deep one-on-one balls should be his bread and butter.
Preston Hodge
After Colorado’s early interception, UCF quickly drove into a first-and-goal situation. As UCF quarterback KJ Jefferson attempted a jump ball in the back of the end zone, his pass fell short—right into Hodge’s arms. This was Hodge’s second interception in three weeks, providing a big confidence boost after struggling in coverage last week. This play could have shifted momentum heavily towards UCF to start the game, but Hodge came up with the ball and Colorado never looked back.
Outlook:
Next week, the Buffaloes will get a bye, which may seem to come at a bad time given their current momentum. I believe this break will be beneficial, as it allows key players like Shilo Sanders, Dallen Hayden and Chidozie Nwankwo to get fully healthy ahead of a tough stretch of conference games. After the bye, Colorado will face Kansas State, currently ranked 20th, and a win in that game could be enough to secure the Buffs a spot in the AP Top 25 poll.
by Jacob.Thompson
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