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A look at what went right in this big-time Buffaloes victory
On Saturday, Colorado took on a new Big 12 opponent in the Cincinnati Bearcats. This was a must-win game for Colorado to keep their hopes of competing for a Big 12 championship alive. Not only did they secure the victory, but the Buffaloes also reached six wins on the season, clinching bowl eligibility. This monumental win catapulted the Buffs into the Top 25 rankings just ahead of their bye week. Today, we’re breaking down what’s working for the Buffs and what they’ll need to keep doing down the stretch to have a shot at a conference championship appearance.
What Went Right for the Buffs:
It’s hard to know where to start after a game where Colorado seemed to be doing everything right. For me, the most notable improvement was the run game. We all know how effective this Colorado passing attack can be, but Shedeur Sanders has publicly emphasized the importance of getting the run game going first. Early on, it became clear that Colorado saw their matchup in the trenches as a favorable one, and they leaned on the ground game right from the start. Leading the charge was Isaiah Augustave, who had 91 yards and extended his touchdown streak to three straight games.
The Run Game:
Isaiah Augustave might not always be recognized as Colorado’s top back, but he brings a unique skill set that’s been crucial to the Buffs’ success. Augustave is versatile, making him the go-to choice when the Buffs need consistency at the position. While he can find yards with both speed and power, his biggest strength is his ability to make jump cuts in and out of holes while keeping his legs driving until the whistle. Augustave kept his legs moving on key downs, often getting an extra push from his linemen to keep drives alive and control time of possession. The running backs performed well overall, reflected in the stats with over 100 yards on the day, but they weren’t the only reason for the success in the ground game.
Colorado’s offensive line also appears to be improving week by week. In the postgame press conference, offensive lineman Justin Mayers cited personnel continuity as the key to their progress. The film backs this up: this line’s communication and understanding of assignments have improved tremendously as the season has gone on. The last few weeks, we’ve seen fewer blown assignments in pass protection and fewer runs stopped in the backfield. Play after play, Colorado’s linemen are getting off the ball, driving defenders back, and making sure to establish this team’s presence in the trenches. A standout example came on Khalil Benson’s lead blocks into the secondary on Augustave’s huge second-half touchdown run. Benson managed to set blocks on both the linebacker and safety, creating just enough room for a big Colorado rushing score.
The Star Players:
It should come as no surprise to Buffaloes fans who the impact playmakers were in this game. Shedeur finished with over 300 yards and three total touchdowns, while Travis Hunter racked up 150 yards and two touchdowns on offense, alongside a lockdown performance on defense with four pass breakups. These two guys are a testament to why teams should be wary of matching up against Colorado. With improved play in the trenches, paired with the nation’s top two-way player and arguably the best quarterback in college football, the Buffs have a dangerous combination that no coaching staff will look forward to facing down the stretch.
At this point, both Shedeur and Travis could make legitimate claims to the Heisman, and with the rest of the team rallying around them, the sky’s the limit. While they may be deserving of individual accolades, these players are laser-focused on one goal: winning out. If Colorado can finish strong, not only will they have a real shot at a Heisman candidate or two, but they could also position themselves for a conference championship and, ultimately, the College Football Playoff.
Outlook for the Buffs:
With Colorado now ranked #23 in the nation, the focus has understandably shifted to making a run at the Big 12 championship. If the Buffaloes win out and get some help from other teams, an 8-1 conference record could give them a real chance at the title.
Coach Deion Sanders is looking forward to the upcoming bye week, stating that the players have earned a break to get fully healthy and recover from nagging injuries. Look for the Buffaloes to be ready for a tough road matchup against Texas Tech after the bye, and don’t forget to root against other Big 12 contenders like BYU, Iowa State, and Kansas State as Colorado’s push for a Big 12 championship continues.
by Jacob.Thompson
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