No. 23 Colorado Rolls To 52-0 Win Over Oklahoma State; Hunter's Big Game Bolsters Heisman Hopes

Travis Hunter strengthened his Heisman hopes with three touchdown catches and an interception as No. 23 Colorado routed Oklahoma State 52-0 on Friday to keep its outside Big 12 title game hopes afloat.

Hunter finished with 10 receptions for 116 yards. His three touchdown catches gives him 14 on the year and moves him past Nelson Spruce (12 TDs, 2014) for the most by a Colorado receiver in a single season. Hunter, who caught the last one with a defender hanging on him while he was falling to the turf, punctuated the moment by striking a Heisman pose.

Shedeur Sanders threw for 438 yards to break the school’s single-season passing record for the bowl-bound Buffaloes (9-3, 7-2, No. 25 CFP). He closes the regular season with 3,926 yards passing to top the single-season mark turned in by Koy Detmer (3,527) in 1996. Sanders also added five TD passes to increase his total to a school-best 35 for the season.

Their work done, the Buffaloes need chaos to unfold across the conference Saturday to earn a place in the league’s championship contest on Dec. 7 in Arlington, Texas.

One scenario to get in requires two losses out of either No. 14 Arizona State (at Arizona), No. 19 BYU (hosting Houston) or No. 17 Iowa State (hosting Kansas State). Another other scenario would be a loss by BYU and a win from Texas Tech (hosting West Virginia).

The Buffaloes jumped out to a 21-0 in the first quarter and kept rolling in the second half. The defense forced four turnovers, including a pick-6 by DJ McKinney. This was the Buffaloes first shutout since a 34-0 win over Arizona on Oct. 16, 2021.

LaJohntay Wester finished with 11 catches for 175 yards and two scores. His 322 career catches with Colorado and Florida Atlantic ties him for sixth on the NCAA’s career receptions list.

Before the game, Sanders was named the winner of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as the nation’s top QB. It may be one of numerous awards that Sanders and Hunter pick up.

Hunter, though, wasn’t named a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award as one of the top defensive backs, drawing the wrath of coach Deion Sanders. Hunter had one of his easiest picks when Maealiuaki Smith tossed up a pass in the first quarter. He dropped another and stared at his hands.

Oklahoma State ended the year on a nine-game skid after being picked to finish third in the preseason media poll. This marked the Cowboys’ first winless conference season since 1994 when they were in the Big 8.

Buffaloes dominate Cowboys in season finale

Oklahoma State’s challenging season concluded with a resounding 52-0 loss to Colorado this afternoon, extending the Cowboys' losing streak to nine games.

OSU struggled from the start, managing just one first down in the first half and committing four turnovers.

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders led the charge, passing for over 430 yards and five touchdowns. Standout Travis Hunter showcased his versatility, scoring three touchdowns and intercepting a pass, further fueling the Buffaloes' commanding performance.

Cowboys offense falters

The Cowboys’ offense was stagnant, amassing just 147 total yards. Quarterback Smith faced difficulties in his second start, while the running game failed to gain traction.

“Most offenses are built on momentum, and we just couldn’t generate any,” head coach Mike Gundy said. “I don’t think our plan was good, and it became a very difficult day.”

Looking ahead

The loss marks the most lopsided defeat in Gundy’s tenure, with comparisons drawn to a 58-0 loss to Texas Tech in 2000. Big changes are expected in OSU’s roster and coaching strategies as the Cowboys prepare for the 2024 season.

Final record:

The Cowboys finish the season at 3-9, leaving fans and analysts anticipating a significant rebuild in Stillwater.

Folsom farewell

Shedeur and Shilo Sanders were among the 21 players honored on senior day. The brothers were escorted to midfield by their coach/father.

The Takeaway

Oklahoma State: In a year turned sideways, receiver Brennan Presley became the only player in program history to notch four seasons with 1,000 all-purpose yards.

Colorado: After allowing 331 yards rushing last weekend in a 37-21 loss to Kansas, the Buffaloes held the Cowboys to 70 — and most in garbage time.

Poll implications

Colorado can climb back into the “teens” depending on what happens Saturday.

Up next

Oklahoma State: Get ready for next season.

Colorado: Awaits a bowl bid, possible a spot in the Big 12 title game.

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