August 30th 2024.
As the CU Buffs kicked off their season with a 31-26 victory over North Dakota State, there were many standout performances that caught the eye. One of those was undoubtedly Travis Hunter, the two-way player who possesses the endurance of a triathlete and the smooth moves of the legendary Michael Jackson. Despite North Dakota State's best efforts, they simply couldn't contain Hunter, who put on a show on both sides of the ball.
It didn't take long for the Buffs to exploit the mismatch, as they connected with Hunter for a 41-yard touchdown after just six plays. And that was only the beginning. As the game went on, Hunter continued to dominate, showcasing his skills with impressive catches and elusive plays. In the second half, he displayed some NFL-level push-offs as he caught a 40-yard pass down the sideline and a 13-yard touchdown that left his opponents on the ground, complaining of interference. And to cap it off, Hunter showed off his impressive flexibility with a Gumby-like move to catch a 3-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. It's safe to say that Hunter's performance was nothing short of Heisman-worthy, and he even looked like a first-round receiver rather than just a cornerback.
While Hunter stole the spotlight, the CU defense also made a notable impact in the game. In the first half, they struggled to contain North Dakota State, giving up 242 yards and allowing their opponents to find success both through the air and on the ground. It was reminiscent of last season's struggles, where the Buffs allowed an average of 453 yards and 34.8 points per game. However, things turned around in the third quarter as the defense stiffened and limited North Dakota State to just 44 yards. The Buffs were aided by their opponent's curious decision to rotate quarterbacks, but it was their ability to get off the field and control the line of scrimmage that set the tone for the second half. They were tested one last time in the final seconds of the game, but managed to prevent a potential game-winning Hail Mary from reaching its intended target.
Another standout performer for the Buffs was senior wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. While he may have been overshadowed by the likes of Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Horn proved to be a crucial asset in the season opener. In fact, both of his 100-yard games at Colorado have come in season openers. With his impressive agility and speed, Horn made defenders look like they were standing still as he weaved through them for a total of 198 yards in the game.
On the defensive side of the ball, safety Shilo Sanders made his presence known with his fearless play. He wasn't afraid to hit anyone, and his physicality set the tone for the rest of the secondary. However, his aggressive approach also led to some costly mistakes, such as a late hit in the first half that extended a drive for North Dakota State. While his intensity is admirable, Sanders will need to find a balance and avoid costly penalties for a defense that can't afford to give up extra yards. But overall, Sanders' impact on the game was undeniable, and he proved to be a key factor in the Buffs' victory.
Overall, it was a thrilling season opener for the CU Buffs, and it's clear that they have a talented roster with players like Hunter, Horn, and Sanders leading the way. As they continue their season, they will need to build on this momentum and work on ironing out some of their mistakes. But for now, they can celebrate a hard-fought win and look forward to what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
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