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Recap of Colorado's stunning win over the Wildcats

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Recap of Colorado's stunning win over the Wildcats

TUCSON, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 19: Quarterback Noah Fifita #11 of the Arizona Wildcats is sacked by Nikhai Hill-Green #41 of the Colorado Buffaloes during the first half of the NCAAF game at Arizona Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

TUCSON, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 19: Quarterback Noah Fifita #11 of the Arizona Wildcats is sacked by Nikhai Hill-Green #41 of the Colorado Buffaloes during the first half of the NCAAF game at Arizona Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Despite losing to superstar Travis Hunter throughout the second half, the Colorado Buffaloes secured a commanding 34-7 road win over the Arizona Wildcats on Saturday afternoon. Head coach Deion Sanders' Buffs started fast, finished strong and secured their third Big 12 win.

While four different Buffs scored either a rushing or receiving touchdown, Colorado's defense stole the show in Tucson. Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita was harassed throughout and star wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan was limited to just 38 yards.

At 5-2 overall (3-1 Big 12), the Buffs are one win away from becoming bowl eligible for a full season for the first time since 2016.

Here's a quick recap of Colorado's strong performance against Arizona:

The good

Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes interior defender Colton Hood (3) tackles and throws Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Chris Hunter (16) to the ground during the fourth quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Aryanna Frank-Imagn ImagesOct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes interior defender Colton Hood (3) tackles and throws Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Chris Hunter (16) to the ground during the fourth quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes interior defender Colton Hood (3) tackles and throws Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Chris Hunter (16) to the ground during the fourth quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Colorado's defense played arguably its best game of the year, recording seven sacks, seven TFLs, one interception and two fumble recoveries.

The bad

TUCSON, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 19: Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter #12 lines up during the first half of the NCAAF game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)TUCSON, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 19: Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter #12 lines up during the first half of the NCAAF game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

TUCSON, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 19: Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter #12 lines up during the first half of the NCAAF game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Although his injury doesn't appear to be serious, it wasn't ideal for Travis Hunter to exit early due to “preventative measures.” It might be wise to take the two-way superstar out next Saturday against Cincinnati and take another bye week after that.

Offensive MVP

TUCSON, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 19: Wide receiver LaJohntay Wester #10 of the Colorado Buffaloes reacts to a first down reception against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half of the NCAAF game at Arizona Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)TUCSON, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 19: Wide receiver LaJohntay Wester #10 of the Colorado Buffaloes reacts to a first down reception against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half of the NCAAF game at Arizona Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

TUCSON, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 19: Wide receiver LaJohntay Wester #10 of the Colorado Buffaloes reacts to a first down reception against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half of the NCAAF game at Arizona Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Wide receiver LaJohntay Wester had a season-high 127 yards on eight catches.

Defensive MVP

September 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) is sacked by Colorado Buffaloes defensive end Samuel Okunlola (93) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Dylan Widger-Imagn ImagesSeptember 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) is sacked by Colorado Buffaloes defensive end Samuel Okunlola (93) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

September 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) is sacked by Colorado Buffaloes defensive end Samuel Okunlola (93) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Defensive lineman Samuel Okunlola not only enjoyed the roughing passer penalty, but also had a field day flying past Arizona's O-line. The Pitt transfer finished with two sacks and two tackles for loss.

Outstanding status

Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes center back Nikhai Hill-Green (41) sacks Arizona Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita (11) during the second quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Aryanna Frank-Imagn ImagesOct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes center back Nikhai Hill-Green (41) sacks Arizona Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita (11) during the second quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes center back Nikhai Hill-Green (41) sacks Arizona Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita (11) during the second quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Colorado's seven sacks on the afternoon marked the team's most sacks in a single game since 2010.

Remarkable quote

Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes safety Shilo Sanders (21) tackles Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Jeremiah Patterson (2) in the first quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Aryanna Frank-Imagn ImagesOct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes safety Shilo Sanders (21) tackles Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Jeremiah Patterson (2) in the first quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes safety Shilo Sanders (21) tackles Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Jeremiah Patterson (2) in the first quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Here's what safety Shilo Sanders said after the win (h/t Jake Schwanitz of DNVR Buffs):

“This game was the biggest thing for the team, especially for me. It just shows you how we can go out there and achieve anything.”

What's next?

Cincinnati Bearcats defender Kalen Carroll (21) runs downfield as Arizona State Sun Devils defender Laterrance Welch (3) passes him during the fourth quarter of the college football game on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati.Cincinnati Bearcats defender Kalen Carroll (21) runs downfield as Arizona State Sun Devils defender Laterrance Welch (3) passes him during the fourth quarter of the college football game on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati.

Cincinnati Bearcats defender Kalen Carroll (21) runs downfield as Arizona State Sun Devils defender Laterrance Welch (3) passes him during the fourth quarter of the college football game on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati.

Needing a win to secure bowl eligibility, the Buffaloes host Cincinnati on Saturday, October 26th. The Bearcats are also 5-2 (3-1 Big 12) after defeating Arizona State 24-14 in Week 8.

Kickoff between Colorado and Cincinnati is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. MT on ESPN.

This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Recap of Colorado's stunning win over the Wildcats

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