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A look at the plays that helped Travis become the Heisman
It’s official, Travis Hunter is the 2024 Heisman winner. This is only the second time a Colorado Buffalo has won the award, and is a great example how far this football program has come in the last year or two. Today we will be looking back on his phenomenal year, and the biggest plays that led to his Heisman trophy to celebrate his spectacular achievement.
10. First touchdown of the season
Let’s kick off this list with the low hanging fruit, Travis’ first touchdown of the season. This play showcased Travis’ speed and precise route running. We would see many more plays just like this one as the season went on.
Here’s a look at Travis’ first touchdown catch of the season:
9. Travis Hunter scores on failed pass to Shedeur
This play happened more recently and may still be fresh in the minds of many Buffs fans. While driving, up big against Utah, Colorado’s offense looked to some trickery to get Travis his first passing touchdown as a Buff. Unfortunately as Shedeur says in the video below, he stumbled and Travis was forced to improvise.
"It was really supposed to be my touchdown... we don't go in a game being like 'Oh we gotta get Trav the Heisman."
Shedeur Sanders speaks about Travis Hunter's TD play today for Coloradopic.twitter.com/Nhrr87ABGF
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 16, 2024
8. Last touchdown of the season against Oklahoma State
Not only was this an incredible catch, but it was also Travis’ last touchdown at Folsom field. This touchdown was Travis’ third on the day, and gave the Buffs a big enough lead that Deion finally felt comfortable benching the starters.
7. Housed screen pass against Kansas
This play is a favorite of mine because it is the best representation of Travis’ speed. Even against power five schools, when the ball is in Travis’ hands there is a good chance it is going all the way to the house. Nobody was within ten yards of Travis, as he tried to help the Buffaloes stay alive verses Kansas.
6. Interception against CSU
This was one of Travis most memorable plays of the season and there’s a few reasons why. First, the Colorado State quarterback had taunted Travis earlier in this football game, and this was some redemption for Travis. This was also a big play because it showcases Travis’ ability to always be looking for the ball. Even on an improvised throw 30 yards down the field, Travis is in position for the big play.
5. Big touchdown before half against Cincinnati
This play is proof that as a defense, you cannot take your eyes off of Travis Hunter. Cincinnati knew that Colorado would be passing, and looked to be prepared for anything over the top. Travis was able to find the soft spot in the zone on the boundary and scored a huge touchdown with just seconds left in the first half.
4. Travis Hunter’s second TD against NDSU
This was one of Travis’ most impactful plays of the entire season. He showcased that he is nearly impossible to contain in a one on one, as he contorted his body and made the unbelievable catch. This touchdown was necessary against a NDSU team that was hanging around up until the last play of the ball game.
3. Diving interception against UCF
This play had to be high up on the list as it was Travis most impressive pick on the year. This play is perfect teach tape for younger DB’s learning to read the eyes of the quarterback in zone coverage. Travis dropped into one coverage, read the eyes of the quarterback and made a diving pick.
2. Miraculous snag against Utah
This play is a hard one to even talk about because the catch leaves me speechless. If this isn’t proof to NFL GM’s that Travis will need to play on both sides of the ball, then I don’t know what is. Travis backing up in double coverage came up with one of the best catches you’ll ever see. This play took a number of different skills to haul in, and it helped give the Buffs a bigger lead going into half against Utah.
Number 1: Game sealing forced fumble against Baylor
This was Travis’ best play of the year. This was the play that sealed the win against Baylor and finished off one of the most memorable comebacks in Buff history. After playing well over 100 snaps, Travis still had it in him to make a big time tackle at the one yard line, force a fumble, and ultimately help his teammates to finish off the comeback. This is is the play I will always think of, when I think of Travis Hunter in a Colorado Buffaloes uniform.
by Jacob.Thompson
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