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A recap of Colorado’s win over the Wildcats
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A recap of Colorado’s 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 two-time superstar Travis Hunter for the entire second half, the Colorado Buffaloes pulled off a dominant 34-7 victory over the Arizona Wildcats on Saturday afternoon. Head coach Deion Sanders’ Buffs started fast and finished strong en route to their third Big 12 victory.

While four different Buffs scored 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 held to just 38 receiving yards.

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

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

The good

October 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes center back Colton Hood (3) picks up and throws Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Chris Hunter (16) to the ground during the fourth quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory credits: Aryanna Frank-Imagn imagesOctober 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes center back Colton Hood (3) picks up and throws Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Chris Hunter (16) to the ground during the fourth quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory credits: Aryanna Frank-Imagn images

October 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes center back Colton Hood (3) picks up and throws Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Chris Hunter (16) to the ground during the fourth quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory credits: Aryanna Frank-Imagn images

Colorado’s defense played perhaps its best game of the year, with seven sacks, seven TFLs, one interception and two fumbles.

The bad

TUCSON, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 19: Wide receiver Travis Hunter #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes 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: Wide receiver Travis Hunter #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes 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: Wide receiver Travis Hunter #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes 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)

While his injury doesn’t appear serious, Travis Hunter’s early departure for “preventative measures” wasn’t ideal. It might be wise to play the two-time superstar against Cincinnati next Saturday, with a bye week after that.

Offensive MVP

TUCSON, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 19: Wide receiver LaJohntay Wester #10 of the Colorado Buffaloes reacts on 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 on 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 on 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 racked up a season-high 127 receiving yards on eight catches.

Defensive MVP

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

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

In addition to taking the passer penalty, defensive lineman Samuel Okunlola enjoyed a big day along Arizona’s O-line. The Pitt transfer finished with two sacks and two tackles for loss.

Notable stat

October 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes inside linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green (41) sacks Arizona Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita (11) during the second quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory credits: Aryanna Frank-Imagn imagesOctober 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes inside linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green (41) sacks Arizona Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita (11) during the second quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory credits: Aryanna Frank-Imagn images

October 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes inside linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green (41) sacks Arizona Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita (11) during the second quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory credits: Aryanna Frank-Imagn images

Colorado’s seven sacks on the afternoon were the most by the team in a single game since 2010.

Remarkable quote

October 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes safety Shilo Sanders (21) tackles Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Jeremiah Patterson (2) during the first quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory credits: Aryanna Frank-Imagn imagesOctober 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes safety Shilo Sanders (21) tackles Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Jeremiah Patterson (2) during the first quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory credits: Aryanna Frank-Imagn images

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

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

“This match was the biggest for the team, especially for me. It just shows you how we can go out and accomplish something.

What’s next?

Cincinnati Bearcats defenseman Kalen Carroll (21) runs downfield as Arizona State Sun Devils defenseman Laterrance Welch (3) goes to tackle him in the fourth quarter of the College Football game at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 19, 2024 .Cincinnati Bearcats defenseman Kalen Carroll (21) runs downfield as Arizona State Sun Devils defenseman Laterrance Welch (3) goes to tackle him in the fourth quarter of the College Football game at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 19, 2024 .

Cincinnati Bearcats defenseman Kalen Carroll (21) runs downfield as Arizona State Sun Devils defenseman Laterrance Welch (3) goes to tackle him in the fourth quarter of the College Football game at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 19, 2024 .

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

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

This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: A recap of Colorado’s win over the Wildcats