Travis Hunter's return to Colorado football deemed 'pivotal' to stop Arizona star

Colorado football is charmed to have only missed Travis Hunter for a little over a half of action against K-State. Hunter is returning to the field Saturday as the Buffs travel to Tuscon to take on Arizona -- and as Ralphie Report's Ryland Scholes writes, it couldn't have come at a better time with CU facing star Wildcats wideout Tetairoa McMillan.

"Hunter’s return against Arizona is pivotal, as Colorado will need him to cover Wildcats superstar receiver Tetairoa McMillan," Scholes wrote.

McMillan has gone over 100 yards three times this season, having maxed out at an astounding 304 yards on 10 catches with four touchdowns against New Mexico. That game skews his season totals a great deal, but he had five such games in 2023 and went for 266 yards and a TD against ASU.

McMillan has game-breaking talent and the Buffs don't have the depth to stop him with their reserves. There's no greater helping hand around than Hunter; especially when he brings so much to the offensive side of the ball too.

Jimmy Horn Jr. also returning to Colorado football against Arizona

The injury news gets better for Coach Prime and Co.: Jimmy Horn Jr. is also returning to the field against Arizona. Scholes believes his return further helps Shedeur Sanders contend with a Wildcats secondary that ranked fourth in the Pac-12 last season in passing defense.

"Horn’s injury is also unconfirmed, but it seemingly wasn’t too serious if he’s going to return this week," Scholes wrote. "Colorado could use all the help they can get against Arizona’s secondary, so Horn’s return is a massive boost for the Buffs."

Unfortunately, it's not all good news on the injury front for the Buffs. As Deion Sanders said to reporters on October 15, we've probably seen the last of Omarion Miller this year.

At least Colorado doesn't have to test what their offense would like without its top two WRs, Hunter and Horn.