Grading Colorado football on its win vs Colorado State in Week 3

Sep 14, 2024; Fort Collins, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) shows a pass at Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium.

The Colorado football team got a big win on Saturday night, knocking off rival Colorado State 28-9 in front of a sold-out Canvas Stadium.

Here’s a look at how Colorado (2-1) graded out in its win over CSU (1-2):

Offense: Colorado’s stars shine, but running game is the story

Shedeur Sanders was well protected by the Buffaloes’ re-shuffled offensive line and supported by an effective running game. The result was a 310-yard, four-touchdown performance by the Colorado quarterback. Travis Hunter once again dazzled (100 yards and two touchdowns on 13 catches) and LaJohntay Wester caught a pair of touchdowns (4, 34) from Sanders. Most importantly, the Buffs ran for a season-high 109 yards thanks in large part to true freshman Micah Welch’s impressive debut (65 rushing yards on nine carries). Colorado finished with 419 yards of total offense and zero turnovers.

Grade: A-

Defense: Colorado forces four CSU turnovers

Over the last six quarters (dating back to the second half of the Nebraska loss), Colorado has allowed just nine points. The Buffs shut Nebraska out in the second half last week and didn’t allow a touchdown on Saturday night until the fourth quarter. Hunter and Preston Hodge each intercepted CSU quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi once. LaVonta Bentley and B.J. Green each recovered a CSU fumble. Colorado defensive coordinator Robert Livingston is proving to be an excellent hire.

Grade: A+

Special teams: Alejandro Mata misses again

For the second time in as many weeks, Alejandro Mata missed a field goal. The kicker who followed Deion Sanders to Colorado from Jackson State had his 29-yard attempt blocked last week and missed a 44-yard field goal on Saturday night. It might be time…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/grading-colorado-football-win-vs-043851288.html

Author : The Coloradoan

Publish date : 2024-09-15 04:38:51

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