The Colorado Buffaloes are currently the talk of the college football world. With new head Coach Deion Sanders leading a flashy roster of highly touted recruits and transfers to a 3-0 start, the hype couldn’t be higher. However, as they begin arguably the toughest two-week stretch of their season, they will be without the services of star two-way player, Travis Hunter.
The 5-star recruit made history out of high school, committing to Jackson State over essentially every other Power 5 school, and becoming the first 5-star to commit to an HBCU. In his first two games at Colorado, he lived up to the hype. As both a wide receiver and cornerback, he’s racked up 16 receptions for 213 yards and four touchdowns, nine solo tackles, and an interception.
Late in the first quarter of last weekend’s double overtime thriller against Colorado State, Hunter took a hard hit from Colorado State safety Henry Blackwell. Blackwell received an
unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for the hit that landed well after an incomplete pass. Hunter
was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with a lacerated liver and will miss the next three weeks of play. Coach Sanders says Hunter is at home focusing on schoolwork during his absence, but “can’t wait to get back to doing what he is capable of doing.”
This is a huge loss for both the Colorado offense and defense, as Hunter was averaging 60 downs played on both sides of the ball. It also comes at an unfortunate time, as Colorado is entering what many consider to be the toughest part of their schedule. The No. 19 Buffaloes faced off against the No. 10 and undefeated Oregon Ducks on Saturday, September before hosting the No. 5 USC
Trojans at home the following weekend. Both teams feature Heisman Trophy caliber
quarterbacks in Bo Nix and Caleb Williams, respectively, with formidable defenses in addition.
Though Colorado is off to a hot 3-0 start, they will have their hands full.
The Buffaloes now look to their other stars to fill Hunter’s absence. Quarterback Shedeur and safety Shilo Sanders, sons of head coach Deion, will be the first looked upon to fill the void.
Also look for receiver Xavier Weaver to make an increased impact, as he leads the team in
receptions at 25, good for 386 yards and 2 touchdowns. Colorado certainly has proved they can
talk the talk, but this two-week stretch will prove if they can walk the walk.