Deion Sanders updates on Travis Hunter for important Big 12 matchup
The Buffaloes need just one more win to secure a bowl game in Sanders’ second year as coach.
Travis Hunter, the versatile football player from Colorado, is anticipated to return for his team’s upcoming matchup on Saturday against Cincinnati, and coach Deion Sanders mentioned that “he will be much more involved than he was a week ago due to improved health.”
“Travis is feeling better compared to last week,” Sanders stated during his weekly press briefing in Boulder. “I expect he’ll be more productive since he’s in a better condition now. You can really see it in the way he carries himself, with a bit more energy and enthusiasm today.”
On October 12, Hunter sustained a right shoulder injury during a game against Kansas State but managed to participate in the first half of the following game last weekend, where the Buffaloes prevailed 34-7 over Arizona. He wasn’t back to full strength, which led Sanders to decide to hold him out for the second half as a safety measure – marking the second week in a row he didn’t play after halftime.
Can Travis Hunter revive his Heisman Trophy bid?
His recent absence has impacted his chances for the Heisman Trophy, resulting in a drop from second to fourth place in the betting odds, as reported by BetMGM.
This matchup offers Hunter an opportunity to restore his candidacy, as the Buffaloes face a crucial game for the Big 12 Conference title. Both Cincinnati and Colorado are currently 5-2 with 3-1 records in conference play. The winner of Saturday’s showdown in Boulder will remain competitive with BYU (7-0) and Iowa State (7-0) for the top spots.
A win would also position the Buffs one step closer to bowl game eligibility in Sanders’ second season, marking a significant achievement for a team that only managed a 1-11 record prior to Sanders taking over in 2022.
Deion Sanders: Embracing the hate in away games is ‘kind of sexy’
The schedule for Saturday’s game against Cincinnati is typically a straightforward topic, but these are Sanders’ Buffaloes, who have excelled on the road this season with three consecutive victories in challenging stadiums. Returning to Boulder this week, they will aim to bounce back after losing their last home game against Kansas State, which was notably scheduled for late (around 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN). The upcoming game is also set for a late kickoff at 10:15 p.m. ET, marking the eighth consecutive game for the Buffaloes on national television. Under Sanders, the Buffs have a home record of 4-5 at Folsom Field over two seasons.
“We thrive on being booed and criticized by the crowd,” Sanders remarked about his team’s success on the road. “It motivates us. It’s quite exciting, honestly. I felt that way during my playing days. I enjoyed being the target of the crowd’s displeasure. I think we relish the role of underdogs.”
However, Sanders is not a fan of the evening kickoffs since they disrupt his team’s practice schedule, which is usually in the morning.
“We tend to start slowly in night games because it alters our regular routine,” Sanders explained. “We perform better in day games since it’s more aligned with our natural schedule. We’re planning to make necessary adjustments this week to ensure we get adequate sleep and rest before kickoff.”
Colorado’s NFL advantage
A significant factor in Colorado’s strong performance this year is their defense, under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Robert Livingston. The Buffaloes currently rank 13th nationally and first in the Big 12 for quarterback sacks, totaling 21. Livingston joined Colorado after serving as a defensive backs coach for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL. He represents one of several coaches with NFL backgrounds on Sanders’ staff, which plays a crucial role in attracting potential recruits, beyond just financial incentives like NIL (name, image, likeness) deals.
“NIL is fine, but true financial success comes from making it to the league,” remarked freshman offensive lineman Jordan Seaton on Tuesday.
Seaton’s position coach, Phil Loadholt, is also a former NFL player who played for the Minnesota Vikings. Seaton has aspirations to be a high draft pick in the NFL in a few years.
“He has the cars and money we all aim for,” Seaton noted regarding Loadholt. “I believe in listening to individuals who have accomplished their goals… I know he’s succeeded, and it’s proof of what can be achieved, so I feel it’s wise to heed his advice.”
