There were a lot of questions surrounding Colorado football after coach Deion Sanders brought in over 50 new players via the transfer portal. But the biggest question was how quarterback and the coach’s son, Shedeur Sanders, was going to perform against Power 5 defenses on a weekly basis after playing on the FCS level.
The answer seems to be very well thank you very much.
Playing against TCU, Nebraska, and Colorado State, Sanders has completed 79 percent of his passes and averages 417 yards through the air, 10 touchdowns, and just one interception. But the Horned Frogs, Cornhuskers, and Rams aren’t exactly the 1985 Bears.
Neither are the Ducks, however. But Oregon will present the toughest challenge of Sanders college career and he’ll be facing the Ducks without a main piece of the offense.
Wide receiver and two-star Travis Hunter will miss the Oregon game with a rib injury. He’s scheduled to miss three weeks total, which includes No. 5 USC next week.
Even Deion Sanders admits that losing Hunter is a big blow to his team.
“No one in the country can fill Travis Hunter’s shoes. He’s a unique player, he’s one of a kind,” Sanders said. “He’s the best player on offense. He’s the best player on defense. That’s just who he is. We need guys to step up and do what we ask them to do.
Even though Hunter is unavailable, Shedeur Sanders has plenty of other guys to throw to. Jimmy Horn, Jr., a transfer from South Florida, leads the Buffaloes with 26 catches, good for 247 yards (82 ypg) and two touchdowns.
Xavier Weaver, also a transfer from South Florida, is right behind Horn with 25 receptions, but he has racked up 386 yards (129 ypg) and two touchdowns.
Before going down with an injury against Colorado State, Hunter had 16 catches for 213 yards (71 ypg), but no touchdowns.
Shedeur Sanders has great numbers so far, but the offensive line hasn’t done him any favors. He’s been sacked 16 times so far and that will be a point of emphasis for the Duck defense this week in practice.
But as long as the Buffaloes quarterback can stay on his feet, he’s more than capable of making plays, especially when the game is on the line. Colorado State learned that lesson the hard way.
Oregon is hoping the game doesn’t come down to a last-minute drive and it doesn’t matter.
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