Recap: Buffs celebrate Miss Peggy’s 100th birthday with win over Utah

Buffaloes win fourth straight and move to 6-1 in conference play

This Saturday, Colorado celebrated superfan Miss Peggy’s birthday by gifting her with the best present possible; a commanding 49-24 win over the Utah Utes. Colorado had lost 11 of their last 12 games against Utah, but CU fans were treated to a much-needed therapy session today at Folsom Field.

Quarter 1:

The game started with an uncharacteristic turnover as Shedeur Sanders threw an ugly interception on the very first play. Utah began their opening drive from the Buffaloes’ 29-yard line, but the defense held strong and limited the Utes to just a field goal.

Colorado’s second drive started near midfield after Colton Hood made a couple of defenders miss on the kickoff return. The Buffs had success with the run game early but found themselves facing a fourth-and-medium after a rare Jordan Seaton holding penalty.

On the fourth-down attempt, Utah expected something short over the middle, and Shedeur took the opportunity to throw up a jump ball to his biggest target, Will Sheppard. Sheppard went up and over the Utah defender to give the Buffs their first touchdown of the game—his fifth receiving touchdown of the year.

Utah’s next drive highlighted how underwhelming their offense is with Isaac Wilson at quarterback. Micah Bernand wasn’t getting any room to work on the ground, and Isaac Wilson wouldn’t have been able to hit the broad side of a barn. The Utes were forced to punt from deep in their own territory, and their punt coverage failed miserably as LaJohntay Wester saw nothing but green grass, taking a 76-yard punt return to the house for his first punt return touchdown of the season.

Nothing changed for Utah’s offense in the first quarter, as they continued struggling to move the ball. Late in the quarter, a tipped ball by Colton Hood’s helmet landed right in the hands of Travis Hunter for his third interception of the year. After the play, Travis struck the Heisman pose, earning a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. (Boo refs…)

The first quarter ended with Colorado leading 14-3.

Quarter 2:

The second quarter was far less eventful than the wild first. It began with four straight punts before a fumbled snap by Shedeur set Utah up at the Colorado 23-yard line. Once again, Utah’s offense under Wilson stalled, and they settled for another field goal.

Colorado’s one productive drive of the quarter started with a miraculous 28-yard catch by Travis Hunter, who hauled it in despite double coverage. Here’s a look at this game-changing play:

This catch set Colorado up in the red zone, and the Buffs capitalized immediately. With Utah doubling Travis Hunter and focusing their coverage on him, Will Sheppard found himself in one-on-one coverage on the short side of the field. Sheppard made it look easy, hauling in a touchdown in the back corner of the end zone—his second of the day and sixth of the season.

Headed into halftime, Colorado led the Utes 21-9.

Quarter 3:

Utah started the second half with the ball, but it didn’t take long for Nikhai Hill-Green to grab an interception for the second straight game, hurdling a Ute in the process. On the very next play, Isaiah Augustave broke free for a 37-yard touchdown run, his longest of the year, extending Colorado’s lead.

Utah’s defense stepped up later in the quarter, forcing back-to-back punts after the Buffs’ explosive start. One of these punts was returned well, giving Utah the ball in plus territory for the third time in the game. This time, Utah’s main offensive weapon, Dorian Singer, left Travis Hunter behind and caught a perfectly placed 40-yard touchdown pass from Isaac Wilson. This cut the Buffs’ lead to 12 with about 17 minutes left in the game.

Quarter 4:

The fourth quarter began with a bang. Drelon Miller ran a seam route that split the Utah secondary, and Shedeur Sanders layered a perfect pass into his hands. Drelon juked one defender and dragged another into the end zone for a 47-yard touchdown. This electrifying play showcased Miller’s potential and gave fans a glimpse of what’s to come if he stays in Boulder next season.

Later in the quarter, Utah managed to piece together a solid drive, culminating in a touchdown and a two-point conversion. This seven-play, 75-yard series was led by their backup tight end, Carsen Ryan, and brought Utah within 11 points, giving Buffs fans a reason to stay tuned in until the end.

On the ensuing drive, Colorado delivered the final blow. Shedeur found Drelon Miller again on a deep seam route, this time for 49 yards, setting up a 4-yard touchdown run by Charlie Offerdahl.

A few plays later, Isaac Wilson was strip-sacked by Shilo Sanders, and Colorado recovered the ball deep in the red zone. On the next play, the Buffs ran a reverse to Travis Hunter. The play initially looked doomed, but Hunter reversed field, found a narrow gap up the middle, and turned it into a magical touchdown, capping off another Heisman-worthy performance.

Key Takeaways:

• Shedeur’s Turnovers: More often than not, Shedeur makes one questionable throw a game. While this might seem nitpicky for a college quarterback, avoiding turnovers will be critical if this team hopes to make a deep postseason run. Shedeur’s two turnovers—an interception and a fumbled snap—were the only blemishes on an otherwise solid performance for him. Shedeur acknowledged these blunders in the post-game press conference, saying he has to do a better job of protecting the ball going forward.
• Utah’s Struggles: This isn’t the same Utah team we’ve seen dominate in past seasons. Injuries, especially at quarterback and tight end, have left this squad uncompetitive in the Big 12. While this was a must-win for Colorado, it’s not a victory that fans should view as a major statement. Next week, Kansas will be a much bigger test for this team.
• Dominant Defense: This Buffaloes’ defense was relentless. They tallied four sacks, three forced fumbles, three interceptions, and an astounding nine tackles for loss. This group has proven it can keep Colorado in any game down the stretch.

Outlook:

With another win added to their conference record, the Buffs remain in sole possession of second place in the Big 12. Colorado still controls its own destiny, meaning that winning their last two games will secure a spot in the conference championship. The Buffs close out their regular-season schedule with matchups against Kansas and Oklahoma State. While the Buffs will likely be favored in both, Kansas at Arrowhead Field could present some challenges. Jayhawks QB Jalon Daniels is playing good ball and CBs Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson are perpetual threats.

We’ll be here all week to provide coverage as Colorado aims to move one step closer to the Big 12 Championship in Dallas. Sko Buffs!