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Colorado football looked vulnerable against CSU. Then, they looked unbeatable

The Colorado Buffaloes overcame a sluggish start to stampede CSU by a 28-9 score in the 2024 Rocky Mountain Showdown.

By Michael Willoughby

Colorado football righted their first-half wrongs in a big win over CSU
Colorado football righted their first-half wrongs in a big win over CSU / Andrew Wevers/GettyImages
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In the first quarter of an eventual 28-9 win against CSU, the Colorado football offense was pedestrian. Their only productive drive in the opening quarter resulted in a missed field goal.

It looked like a potential undoing. But by the end of the game, it was just the suspenseful rising action.

The Buffs struck paydirt in the early second quarter on a four-yard touchdown from Shedeur Sanders to LeJohntay Wester. Sanders and the offense continued to pour down their rivals as they extended their lead before halftime, courtesy of another touchdown from Sanders to Wester, this time from 34 yards. 

By the fourth quarter, it was clear that Colorado was the much better football team. CSU didn't get a reprieve, though.

The Buffs didn't let their foot off the pedal. After an interception from Preston Hodge, Sanders threw for his third passing touchdown of the night on an excellent pass from Sanders to Travis Hunter.

In the fourth quarter, the Buffs cemented their win, courtesy of the Sanders-Hunter connection. Sanders threw a corner pass to Hunter in the end zone for Sanders' fourth passing touchdown, and Hunter's second of the game. 

Sanders completed 36 passes out of 49 attempts for 310 yards and four touchdowns. Hunter was dominant again in the offense with 13 catches for 100 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and Wester had five catches for 80 yards and two touchdowns of his own. 

Colorado football defense kept CSU at bay all game, Buffs finally develop run game

The Buffs defense had its best overall performance so far this season. The unit was responsible for three crucial turnovers and two sacks; limiting the Rams to nine points and 209 passing yards. 

A fundamental part of the solid effort by the Buffs was the emergence of the running game. Micha Welch led the team with 65 yards on nine carries, Isiah Augustive rushed for 31 yards on five carries, and Charlie Offerdaul came in late for 16 yards on a pair of carries.

The Buffs will return home to Folsom Field against Baylor on September 21.

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