With all due respect to Utah and Oregon, Travis Hunter says the loudest, toughest, most physically dominant opponent Colorado faced last year wasn’t in the Big 12.
"Our toughest opponent, I ain’t going to lie… it was definitely Nebraska. Bro, that stadium was rocking."Travis Hunter on toughest opponent at CU
That game still hurts my soul. Colorado’s frustrating 28–10 road loss in Lincoln last September was heartbreaking. But it’s clear the experience left a lasting impression—and not just because the Buffs lost. They got outplayed. Out-hit. Out-executed.
Nebraska didn’t just win—they set the tone
It was supposed to be Colorado’s revenge tour. The Buffs had won the first three meetings in the home-and-home series, including a 36-14 win in Boulder the year prior. But Nebraska flipped the script in a big way, using a suffocating defense and physical edge to seize control from the opening snap.
The Huskers built a 28–0 halftime lead, their largest in three seasons, and sacked Shedeur Sanders five times, while hurrying him another nine.
“That’s how we wanted to come out. Dominance,” Nebraska defensive lineman Ty Robinson said postgame. “We wanted them to feel us.”
Colorado’s offense didn’t record a first down...ugh...until its fifth possession. They had -2 total yards in the first quarter, got stopped twice on 4th-and-1 (those Charlie Offerdahl runs on 4th-and-1 need to stop), and failed to score a touchdown until the fourth quarter.
The final numbers were jarring: 260 yards of total offense, a blocked field goal, and a pick-six thrown from the end zone. That’s not just losing. That’s getting worked.
Hunter did his part—but it wasn’t enough
Despite the overall struggles, Hunter managed to show up—like he always does. He finished with 10 catches for 110 yards, three tackles on defense, and a pass breakup. But even with Hunter producing, the Buffs couldn’t get going. The offensive line couldn’t hold up, the run game was nonexistent, and discipline issues mounted throughout the night.
The defense took an early hit when Shilo Sanders left with a forearm injury, which ended up being a break. Colorado was flagged for multiple penalties, including targeting, roughing the passer, and two defensive pass interferences. Linebacker/Safety Trevor Woods got ejected for targeting.
And still, despite the chaos, what stuck with Hunter the most?
“That stadium was rocking.”
When a guy who’s played in Autzen, the Coliseum, and under Alamo Bowl lights says that was the most difficult environment? That’s saying something.
What this means for Colorado moving forward
To their credit, the Buffs responded well after Lincoln. They won eight of their next 10 games, went 9-4, and nearly reached the Big 12 title game in their return to the conference. But the loss to Nebraska? It exposed weaknesses—especially in the trenches and in composure on the road.
Those are exactly the areas Coach Prime and staff have focused on this offseason. Colorado has stocked the offensive and defensive lines with Power Five transfers, brought in new coaches with NFL experience, and emphasized leadership through adversity.
They won’t face Nebraska in 2025, but they will travel to Utah (Oct. 25), Iowa State, Arizona State, and West Virginia—all places where things can unravel quickly if the Buffs don’t start fast and play physical.
Hunter’s comments aren’t just reflection. It's a challenge. For this team to grow, they have to learn how to take over stadiums—not just survive them.
James Carnes' final thoughts
In a season that included a Heisman campaign, a return to national relevance, and nine wins under Coach Prime, it’s telling that the one opponent that stuck in Travis Hunter’s mind was Nebraska.
Not because of the rivalry.
Not because of the score.
But because that night, they were tougher. It's frustrating that the rivalry series ended on that game. I just wish we could come to an agreement where Colorado and Nebraska can play every year.
That rivalry is unmatched in the Rocky Mountains.
But for Colorado to take the next step—to win the Big 12, to make a playoff run—those kind of games can’t happen again.
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