Sanders' 165 Yards and Sheppard's Two TDs Give Colorado 21-9 Halftime Lead over Utah

Nov 16, 2024, 06:38 PM

At Folsom Field, the Colorado Buffaloes took a 21-9 halftime lead over the Utah Utes, propelled by strong performances from quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Travis Hunter. Despite throwing an interception to Utah's Lander Barton on the game's first play, Sanders rebounded to amass 165 passing yards and two touchdowns in the first half, though he also committed two turnovers. A key 38-yard kickoff return by Colton Hood set up Colorado's first touchdown, a 40-yard pass from Sanders to wide receiver Will Sheppard on fourth-and-five, marking Sheppard's fifth touchdown reception of the season. Hunter contributed significantly on both offense and defense, recording an interception off a deflected pass, a pass breakup, and three receptions for 42 yards. His acrobatic 28-yard catch on fourth-and-eight extended a 14-play, 85-yard drive that culminated in Sanders' second touchdown pass to Sheppard, a six-yard score with 49 seconds remaining in the half. Colorado's defense held Utah to 83 yards on 33 plays, while the Buffaloes totaled 166 yards. Kicker Cole Becker accounted for all of Utah's points with three field goals, including a 47-yarder as time expired in the second quarter.