Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) throws a pass against the TCU Horned Frogs - Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports
The Colorado Buffaloes will be facing their toughest opponent yet this weekend. This Colorado Football team is 3-0, coming off of a big, and physical, game. This weekend they will be facing the Oregon Ducks. Oregon is currently ranked tenth in the AP Top 25 Poll. This Colorado football team is ranked 19. Here’s a look at the matchup this Saturday.
Colorado’s Major Injury
This week the Buffaloes will be without one of their star players, Travis Hunter. He plays both defensive back and wide receiver, but after a late hit, Hunter will be out this week. Hunter left the game fairly early last weekend, but the team was still able to get the win. Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders play extremely well, and Hunter’s absence will be felt.
The Battle of Top Quarterbacks
Oregon quarterback Bo Nix has been having a solid 2023 season. He is one of the quarterbacks who could end up going early in the 2024 NFL Draft. All eyes will be on the two quarterbacks this weekend between Nix and Sanders.
In the three games so far, Sanders has had 107 completions out of 136 passing attempts for, 1,251 yards, according to ESPN. Passing for over 1,000 yards in just three games is highly impressive, and why Sanders is already a Heisman candidate. He also has passed for ten touchdowns compared to just one interception.
What everyone should watch for is that while Sanders has put up this many passing yards, he has already been sacked 15 times. With one less target to pass to, this weekend will be a tougher test for Sanders and this Colorado football team.
Nix has fewer passing yards but still is having a good season. In 2023, Nix has 76 completions out of 98 attempts for 893 yards, according to ESPN. He has passed for eight touchdowns, no interceptions, and just one sack. Oregon also has the edge being that it will be played in their stadium.
Colorado Football Expectations
If there is one thing that fans can expect this weekend, it’s that the Colorado Buffaloes will be putting up a fight this weekend. Whenever they are the underdogs, they show up. There is no doubt that this will be a tough game. The Oregon Ducks are the favorite to win, and rightfully so, but it may be closer than people think.
The key will be for Sanders to play smart, and the defense will need to step up big time. If they can stop Nix early, they could have a chance this weekend. It may also be a battle of turnovers. Nix only throwing one interception this year is one of the reasons why he stands out. The Ducks’ defense has had four interceptions this season, and Sanders will want to be sure to keep the ball safe.
It is understandable to select Oregon to win this game, but Colorado should still keep it close. The spread may be Oregon -21, but it may end up closer than that if Colorado can keep their offense on the field. If it ends up close, it will demonstrate just how strong of a team the Buffaloes are. The game will be this Saturday in Oregon.
