By: Jack Ritchie
Under the bright lights and sold out crowd in Boulder on Saturday night the Bearcats fell 34-23. Playing against some of the best talent in college football is challenging, especially on the road. Shedur Sanders and Travis Hunter both respectfully had great games on Saturday. Sheduer threw for 25/30 completions, 323 yards, and 2 touchdowns, and a rushing score. At 83.3% completion percentage, it was his second-highest percentage of the 2024 season. He couldn’t have done it however without Colorado’s star receiver and defensive back Travis Hunter. Hunter had 9 receptions, 153 yards, and 2 touchdowns. His 153 yards receiving was a season-high.
The game started fast-paced with both teams scoring respectfully after the Bearcats opening drive punt. With 9:32 remaining in the first quarter Shedur Sanders Connected with Travis Hunter for a touchdown reception for an opening score to lead 7-0. The Cats quickly responded though with a 7-play 74-yard drive which resulted in a Tony Johnson touchdown reception from Brendan Sorsby. As time expired in the first quarter Shedur Sanders would score on a 4-yard touchdown run.
With the Bearcats down 14-7 to start the second quarter they knew they had to keep up with the stellar Colorado offense. Cincinnati drove down the field in their first drive of the second quarter. The drive was finished off with a 13-yard Even Pryor touchdown run which has been catching fire in recent weeks. With the score tied 14-14 midway through the second, the Cincinnati Defense held strong with 3 minutes remaining forcing a 28-yard field goal. Colorado kicker Alejandro Mata made the kick easily to put the Buffs up 17-14 with 3:28 remaining in the first half. Cincinnati now had a great chance to claim the lead late in the first. However, with 31 seconds left in the half Coach Satterfield gambled and went for it on fourth and one from the Colorado 46. They called a QB draw and Sorsby was stopped, and Colorado got the ball back on downs. With 30 seconds left, Colorado started driving again on the struggling Cincinnati defense. Then, with only 3 seconds left on the play clock, Sanders threw a 35-yard strike to Travis Hunter for his second touchdown of the game to put Colorado up 10 going into the half.
After two punts by each team to start the third the first scoring of the second half happened when Isaiah Augustave ran for a touchdown to put Colorado up 31-14 in the third. The second half was much more of a defensive battle as both teams had back-to-back punts once again. A field goal and a touchdown run put Cincy back into the contest to make the score 31-23 late in the fourth. The Bearcat’s defense had to step up to try to get Cincinnati’s defense back on the
field. They forced Colorado’s kicker to attempt a 47-yard field goal with 1:32 left. The kick just barely got over the crossbar as Colorado put the finishing touches on their 34-23 victory.
Cincinnati’s defense once again was the main factor in another tough loss. They allowed 446 yards and the Buffalos’ offense had no trouble converting on third down going 7-13. On the season so far they have allowed 3227 total yards of offense. Cincinnati’s defense has allowed 1924 passing yards which ranks them 102 out of 133 teams in FBS. (Stats via NCAA.com)
Colorado improved to 6-2 (4-1) overall and is now ranked 23rd in the AP poll. They are now in the thick of the Big 12 race and have playoff aspirations as well. The Buffalos’ next game is November 9 at Texas Tech.
Cincinnati goes to 5-3 (3-2) overall and even though this loss does take them out of the race for the Big 12 championship they still have crucial games on their schedule. They just need one win to qualify themselves for a bowl game for the first time since the 2022 season. The Bearcats still have major games like playing #11 Iowa State on the road as well as #17 Kansas State. The Cats’ next game is on November 9 vs West Virginia. Kickoff will be at noon on FS1.
(Photo by: David Zalubowski)