FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Two-way standout Travis Hunter caught two of Shedeur Sanders’ four touchdown passes and also had an interception as Colorado cruised to a commanding 28-9 victory over Colorado State on Saturday night.

Sanders finished the first Rocky Mountain Showdown in Fort Collins since 1996 completing 36 of 49 passes for 310 yards. Sanders found LaJohntay Wester for two scores and connected with Hunter 13 times for 100 yards.

This was the seventh straight win for Colorado (2-1) over Colorado State (1-2). The Rams will have to wait a while to end this losing streak, as the in-state rivalry won’t return until 2029.

Colorado’s offense started slowly a week after a 28-10 loss at Nebraska, but eventually found its rhythm. Sanders led the Buffaloes to 28 straight points after trailing 3-0 midway through the second quarter.

Additionally, Sanders was well protected by an offensive line that was looking for consistency, and he was sacked only once – in the fourth quarter when the game was already in the balance.

The Buffaloes’ defense, wearing their new all-white jerseys, also performed well, forcing four turnovers. Hunter and fellow defensive back Preston Hodge had interceptions, while LaVonta Bentley and BJ Green recovered fumbles.

On his interception, Hunter and several of his teammates were given an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty as Hunter spun the football and they all crowded around it like it was a campfire, warming their hands.

Hunter had fun all night, dancing at every opportunity. Last season, he was ejected from the game when Colorado rallied to win in the second overtime.

In that game, Hunter was running a long route in the first quarter when he was hit by Rams safety Henry Blackburn just after the ball passed him. Hunter eventually went to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a liver injury. The two players put the incident behind them by meeting up for a chat and some bowling.

Hunter was knocked over by Blackburn during his 21-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter on Saturday and got up dancing.

This was a big week for Colorado State, which announced that the school will be one of four schools joining the Pac-12 as part of the athletic conference restructuring in 2026. The Buffaloes left the Pac-12 this season and moved to the Big 12.

Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi finished with 209 yards passing and two interceptions. Justin Marshall scored a late point to increase the lead to 28-9.

THE RESULT

Colorado: The Buffaloes found a little more running play despite the loss of tailback Dallan Hayden. Colorado finished the game with 109 yards after managing just 75 in the first two games. Micah Welch ran for 25 yards in the first half.

Colorado State: The last time Colorado State beat the Buffaloes at home was in 1955. The school was called Colorado A&M then and was renamed Colorado State in 1957. For years, the game was played at the home stadium of the Denver Broncos.

INJURY FRONT

The struggling Buffaloes played without defensive lineman Chidozie Nwankwo as well as defensive backs Shilo Sanders, Savion Riley and Isaiah Hardge.

Colorado State’s best wide receiver Tory Horton appeared to be limping throughout the game. He caught two balls for 24 yards.

Next

Colorado: Hosts Baylor on Saturday.

Colorado State: hosts UTEP on Saturday.

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