No. 18 Colorado earned an impressive 49-24 win over Utah on Saturday, fueled by another standout performance from two-time star Travis Hunter and a resilient effort from quarterback Shedeur Sanders. The Buffaloes (8-2, 6-1 Big 12, No. 17 CFP) extended their winning streak to four games, keeping their Big 12 title hopes alive and moving closer to a potential College Football Playoff berth .

Hunter, who played more than 100 snaps for the seventh time this season, continued to bolster his Heisman campaign with an electric display on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Hunter recorded 55 receiving yards, highlighted by a dazzling fourth-down catch of 28 yards between two defenders. Late in the fourth quarter, he added his first career rushing touchdown on a 5-yard reverse, effectively sealing the victory for the Buffaloes with 2:22 remaining.

Defensively, Hunter showcased his ball-hawking skills with an interception, one of three picks Colorado forced from Utah quarterback Isaac Wilson. Despite being beaten for a 40-yard touchdown by Dorian Singer – the first score allowed against him this season – Hunter made crucial plays, including three tackles, to anchor a defense that spent much of the dominated the match.

Sanders shook off a rough start, including an interception on his first pass and a lost fumble, to finish 30 of 41 for 340 yards and three touchdowns. Two of his scoring throws found wide receiver Will Sheppard as Sanders continued his assault on Colorado’s record books. His 27 touchdown passes this season put him just one shy of Sefo Liufau’s 2014 school record.

While this wasn’t the Buffaloes’ most efficient offensive performance, they took advantage of critical moments, including a 76-yard punt return for a LaJohntay Wester touchdown. Running back Isaiah Augustave also broke loose for a 37-yard touchdown, marking the team’s longest rushing score since 2018.

Colorado’s defense set the tone early, forcing four turnovers, including three interceptions of Isaac Wilson, the younger brother of NFL quarterback Zach Wilson. Shilo Sanders contributed with a game-changing sack and a forced fumble in the fourth quarter, stifling Utah’s comeback attempt. Despite the Utes scoring two late touchdowns, Colorado’s defense held firm, limiting them to three field goals in the first half.

The Utes (4-6, 1-6) suffered their sixth straight loss and now face the possibility of their first losing season in more than a decade. Wilson, who went 21 of 40 for 236 yards and two touchdowns, struggled with accuracy under pressure. Utah’s defense, which allowed 405 yards, gave up the most points since then.

The sellout crowd of more than 54,656 was the fourth largest in school history. They celebrated not only the win, but also CU superfan Peggy Coppom’s 100th birthday, singing for her in the fourth quarter.

Colorado heads to Kansas next Saturday, aiming to keep its Big 12 championship hopes alive (3:30 p.m. ET/TV: FOX).