Coach Deion Sanders and his Colorado football squad have made a bold statement to the Big 12 Conference:

Watch out for the Buffaloes.

Last week, they proved they could compete with top teams, and this week they demonstrated their prowess on the road. On Saturday, they defeated Arizona at Arizona Stadium with a score of 34-7, managing to do so without their standout two-way player, Travis Hunter.

Hunter made his return from a shoulder injury last week and participated in the first half, where he recorded two catches for 17 yards and one tackle. However, after the Buffs established a 28-7 lead by halftime, he exited the game and did not return.

At that point, the outcome was nearly decided. Colorado’s quarterback Shedeur Sanders went 23 for 33, throwing for 250 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions. Meanwhile, the defense racked up seven sacks and shut out the Wildcats after conceding a single touchdown in the first quarter.

This victory increases Colorado’s record to 3-1 in the Big 12 and 5-2 overall, surpassing their win total from last season in Sanders’ inaugural year as head coach. They are now just one victory away from bowl game eligibility with five regular-season matches still to play. Their next matchup will be at home against Cincinnati (5-2) this Saturday.

Arizona’s record now sits at 3-4, amid an announced attendance of 50,724. Leading receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who ranked third nationally with an average of 123.7 receiving yards per game, was limited to only five receptions for 38 yards.

Linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green, a Charlotte transfer, was instrumental in the Buffaloes’ defense, leading with eight tackles and one sack.

YSL News Sports provided updates, highlights and analysis on the game:

Colorado vs. Arizona highlights

Buffaloes extend lead to 34-7 with field goal

As the game was winding down, Colorado’s backups contributed to extending the Buffaloes’ lead to 34-7 with 4:42 left in the game. Backup quarterback Ryan Staub orchestrated a quick scoring drive, aided by an interception from Colorado cornerback Colton Hood, which put the Buffs on the Arizona 23-yard line. Kicker Alejandro Mata capped off the series with a 34-yard field goal.

Shedeur Sanders wrapped up the game with 23 completions out of 33 attempts for 250 yards, adding two touchdowns against two interceptions.

Colorado leads 31-7 in the third quarter

Colorado didn’t require Travis Hunter to score during the first possession of the second half, executing a nine-play, 76-yard drive that culminated in a 28-yard field goal from Alejandro Mata, pushing the lead to 31-7 with 5:58 left in the third quarter.

Arizona struggled, punting on three consecutive possessions, including their opening drive of the second half.

Travis Hunter’s injury update: Colorado star sits out for second half

Two-way standout Travis Hunter was sidelined for the second half against Arizona due to precautionary measures after slightly re-aggravating his right shoulder injury from the previous week against Kansas State. He played in the first half, recording two receptions for 17 yards, which included a crucial fourth-down catch that set up a touchdown.

Fox reporter Allison Williams confirmed that Hunter’s exit was a precautionary decision with Colorado ahead 28-7 at halftime.

Injury update: Arizona linebacker Jacob Manu hurt

Arizona faced injury troubles of their own, notably losing linebacker Jacob Manu in the first half due to what appeared to be a knee injury. Manu was their leading tackler and had amassed four tackles before leaving the game.

HALFTIME: Colorado leads Arizona 28-7

Colorado navigated a bizarre stretch in the second quarter marked by three turnovers in just six plays—first a miscommunication leading to a botched snap by Colorado, then an Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita’s fumble, followed by a Shedeur Sanders interception.

However, the Wildcats failed to capitalize on these opportunities. Instead, Colorado extended their lead to 28-7 with 1:07 remaining in the half, thanks to a 6-yard touchdown run by Sanders.

Sanders has driven the Buffaloes to one of their most successful halves under Coach Deion Sanders, completing 15 of 21 passes for 173 yards, tossing two touchdowns and one interception.

Colorado receiver LaJohntay Wester finished the half strong with six catches for 106 yards, while Travis Hunter had two catches for 17 yards.

Travis Hunter shines with crucial catch; Colorado leads 21-7

Travis Hunter made his presence felt early in the second quarter with a critical 14-yard catch on fourth down, moving the Buffaloes to the Arizona 16-yard line, setting the stage for a touchdown on the very next play—a 16-yard touchdown pass from Shedeur Sanders to Will Sheppard, a transfer from Vanderbilt.

Sheppard snatched the ball on the right side of the end zone, managing to keep his left foot in bounds to elevate Colorado’s lead to 21-7.

The Buffaloes scored touchdowns on all three possessions they played thus far.

Colorado up 14-7 at End of First Quarter

Arizona responded to Colorado’s lead with a touchdown on their second possession, reducing the score to 14-7 with just 1:17 remaining in the first quarter. Receiver Chris Hunter made the scoring play with a 1-yard run, finishing a 75-yard drive that took 10 plays for the Wildcats.

Quarterback Noah Fifita of Arizona completed 3 out of 5 passes for 27 yards and a touchdown. For Colorado, quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been perfect so far, going 6-for-6 with 78 yards and one touchdown.

Buffaloes Extend Lead to 14-0

Shedeur Sanders is having an impressive game for Colorado, starting with five consecutive completions. He led the Buffaloes to score twice in his first two drives, increasing their advantage to 14-0 with 6:16 left in the first quarter from a 1-yard touchdown pass to freshman Drelon Miller.

Last week, Sanders made history by setting a school record for consecutive completions, achieving 16 during a 31-28 home defeat against Kansas State.

Colorado Takes an Early 7-0 Lead

After recovering an onside kick right at the beginning of the game, Colorado took advantage of their field position to score and lead 7-0 with 12:37 remaining in the first quarter. Running back Isaiah Augustave scored on a 1-yard run just two plays after wide receiver LaJohntay Wester had made a 46-yard catch from quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Notably, Travis Hunter has returned from a shoulder injury sustained last week and is active with the starting offensive lineup, although he has yet to catch a pass.

When is the Colorado-Arizona Game?

The kickoff for the game is set for 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 19, at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Arizona.

How to Watch the Colorado-Arizona Game

The game will air on Fox and can also be streamed on Fubo.

Watch on Fubo

Is Travis Hunter Playing for Colorado?

Coach Deion Sanders indicated that receiver-cornerback Travis Hunter is expected to play against Arizona despite having a shoulder injury from the previous game. However, his playing time is still uncertain, as the specifics of his injury have not been disclosed—whether it was a minor “stinger” or a more serious nerve issue.

Why is MC Hammer at the Colorado-Arizona Game?

Hip-hop legend MC Hammer is attending the game, having connections to both teams. Arizona’s running backs coach, Alonzo Carter, once toured with Hammer as a dancer. Additionally, Colorado’s coach Deion Sanders collaborated with Hammer on a song and music video titled “Straight to my Feet,” released in 1994.