Colorado got back on track with a 28-9 victory over Colorado State on Saturday.
Shedeur Sanders threw two touchdown passes to Travis Hunter and Colorado State turned the ball over four times. The Buffs (2-1) led 14-3 at halftime on two touchdown passes to LaJohntay Wester and cruised into the second half as Hunter extended the lead.
There is still reason to be concerned about the Buffaloes, though. Colorado had success running the ball, but was much more content to throw it. Micah Welch had a 25-yard run and the Buffaloes finished with 109 rushing yards. However, Colorado ran the ball just 19 times and Sanders threw it 49 times.
While Sanders hasn’t been officially fired by the Rams, the offensive line has proven to be a very much a work in progress. That may not ultimately matter against teams like Colorado State, but it will certainly be an issue in conference play if there isn’t a big improvement.
Colorado State quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi made a brutal interception in the second half that allowed Colorado to extend its lead to three scores. With the Buffaloes leading 14-3 in the third quarter, Fowler-Nicolosi inexplicably threw a cross-field pass toward midfield. Preston Hodge was there for the interception, and Hunter got his first touchdown of the game a few plays later.
Hunter then intercepted Fowler-Nicolosi late in the third quarter on fourth down. He even received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Sanders completed 36 of 49 passes for 310 yards. Thirteen of those completions went to Hunter, who had 100 yards. Wester had five receptions for 80 yards.
Colorado begins the Big 12 season in Week 4 with a home game against Baylor before visiting UCF. Colorado State (1-2) will play UTEP at home next week in its final nonconference game of the season before the Mountain West season begins.