Colorado Makes Statement in 48-21 Demolition of UCF

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They came, they saw, they conquered. In the rainy skies of Orlando, Fla. where the game was postponed 50 minutes due to inclement weather, the Colorado Buffaloes made themselves right at home in a 48-21 thrashing of the UCF Knights.

Game Summary

Right off the bat, it looked like the Buffaloes might be in for a rude awakening at the "Bounce House." On just the third play from scrimmage for the CU offense, UCF linebacker Deshawn Pace intercepted QB Shedeur Sanders, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. However, despite the prime field position at the CU 29-yard line, the Knights couldn’t capitalize. Colorado quickly returned the favor, with cornerback Preston Hodge snagging a K.J. Jefferson pass out of thin air for a crucial interception.

Before long, Colorado's offense showcased why they’re a well-oiled machine. Following the interception, the Buffaloes executed three consecutive touchdown drives, extending their lead to 21-7 in the early stages of the second quarter. Bafflingly, Colorado had managed to give UCF a taste of their own medicine by out-rushing the Knights at the intermission.

With a 27-14 lead at halftime, the Buffaloes' defense continued to harass UCF's rushing attack and generated a solid pass rush on Jefferson during the second half.

Ultimately, Colorado’s defense forced an impressive 4 turnovers, which proved decisive. The final UCF giveaway was the cherry on top as Colorado safety Camron Silmon-Craig returned a fumble 95 yards for a touchdown, marking CU’s last score of the game.

In the end, Sanders totaled 3 touchdowns for 290 yards through the air. Colorado's lone giveaway in the contest proved to be too much for UCF to overcome.

Hello, New York

Travis Hunter has done it again, folks. Like clockwork, the two-way superstar for Colorado has once more demonstrated that he is the best player in college football. Whether on offense or defense, Hunter is a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. Fresh off a fantastic showing against Baylor, he continued to bolster his Heisman Trophy campaign with 9 catches for 89 yards, and a receiving touchdown. Of course, he happened to hit the "Heisman Pose" after his remarkable second-half interception. Heisman voters, take notice. It would be an absolute crime if Hunter doesn’t at least receive an invite to New York as a finalist come mid-December.

Colorado Takeaways

With all the hype surrounding Colorado head coach Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes each week, it can be challenging to live up to the swagger they carry. Nonetheless, they are steadily becoming the complete team that "Coach Prime" has always envisioned. Through their first 5 games of the 2024 season, it’s clear that this is a vastly different team from last fall. A year ago, the Buffaloes struggled to assert themselves; now, while the offensive line still faces challenges in pass protection, their commitment to an efficient run game is something Colorado can take pride in moving forward. Plus, the offensive linemen surrendered only two sacks to UCF's defensive front. Colorado will take that all day long.

Few teams in the country boast the offensive weaponry that the Buffs have. If they continue to deliver complete performances in all three phases of the game, as they did on Sept. 28, more victories will surely follow. It’s safe to say that Colorado could officially be a contender in the hectic Big 12 Conference.

UCF Takeaways

Entering this weekend, the Knights boasted the nation’s top rushing attack at 336 yards per game. But Central Florida managed to gain only half that—177 yards—against a stingy Colorado defense. While the Knights' roster features seasoned veterans with extensive college experience, there are evident question marks on the defensive side. Still, UCF should be regarded as an upper-echelon Big 12 team due to its offensive talent.

Additionally, the Knights will maintain a strong home-field advantage that will be challenging for visiting Big 12 teams. It’s understandable for UCF fans to feel frustrated, but it’s important to take a deep breath. There’s still plenty of season left, and it’s premature to act as if the sky is falling.