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Video: Deion Sanders Gives Travis Hunter, Entire OL, DB Game Balls After Colorado Win

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVSeptember 15, 2024

BOULDER, COLORADO - AUGUST 29: Deion Sanders of the Colorado Buffaloes and Travis Hunter #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes  on the sideline during a game against North Dakota State Bison at Folsom Field on August 29, 2024 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)
Ric Tapia/Getty Images

What a difference a week makes.

The Colorado offensive line was the focal point of some criticism following the team's 28-10 loss to Nebraska, but Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders recognized the unit with game balls after Saturday's 28-9 win over Colorado State.

Versatile star Travis Hunter was also among those given game balls (39:40 mark):

Hunter continued his individual brilliance with 13 catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns as a wide receiver on offense and five tackles and an interception as a defensive back on defense. It was yet another example of his ability to impact the game in so many ways, which is why he is firmly on the radar of NFL teams.

Defensive back Preston Hodge also had an interception, which earned him a game ball.

As for the offensive line, Sanders had a much different tone during the celebration than he did following the loss to Nebraska.

"Protections were a problem," the head coach told reporters after last week's loss. "You know, I'm trying to be polite and say it, because you know I can say the same thing you're thinking, but if I say it, you'd say I'm throwing my guys up under the bus. I'm not doing that whatsoever. Protections were a problem. We gotta figure out a way to prevent that and do a better job with that."

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders also highlighted the difference in the amount of pressure he faced compared to Nebraska signal-caller Dylan Raiola when talking to reporters after the loss to the Cornhuskers.

Sanders was sacked five times against Nebraska, but the offensive line was much better against Colorado State. That allowed the quarterback to sit back in the pocket and pick apart the Rams defense while going 36-of-49 for 310 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions.

It was exactly the type of bounce-back performance the Buffaloes needed going into Big 12 play, and they will look for far more success than they had last year while going 1-8 in Pac-12 competition after defeating Colorado State.