Colorado Buffaloes Star Travis Hunter to Miss Three Weeks Due to Illegal Hit
Colorado’s two-way star, Travis Hunter, will be sidelined for three weeks after suffering an illegal hit in Saturday’s victory over Colorado State, according to Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders. The hit, delivered by Colorado State defensive back Henry Blackburn, forced Hunter to exit the game in the first quarter. He received medical attention on the field before being taken to the hospital for further evaluation.
During Hunter’s absence, Colorado will face tough opponents in Oregon, USC, and Arizona State over the next three weeks. This injury comes at a crucial time for the Buffaloes, as they will need to rely on their offense and defense to compensate for Hunter’s absence.
Colorado’s offense has shown great depth and speed in its wide receiver group, which can help fill the void left by Hunter. Transfers Xavier Weaver and Jimmy Horn Jr. have excelled in the Buffaloes’ offense this season. In fact, Colorado became the first team since UCF in 1998 to have four players accumulate 140 receiving yards each in their first two games. Although Hunter was a key contributor, quarterback Shedeur Sanders has spread the ball around, allowing other receivers to step up.
On the defensive side, losing Hunter poses a significant challenge for Colorado. The defense struggled against both Colorado State and TCU even with Hunter on the field. Now, they face two high-powered offenses in Oregon and USC, both ranking in the top five in passing yards per game. USC, led by Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, boasts a sixth-ranked passing yards per attempt average of 11.3. Meanwhile, Oregon’s Bo Nix leads the nation’s second-ranked scoring offense. With the defense already struggling this season, Hunter’s absence will put even more pressure on the offense to score big points against these formidable opponents.
Travis Hunter plays a crucial role for the Buffaloes as both a wide receiver and cornerback. He followed Deion Sanders from Jackson State to Colorado earlier this year, showcasing his versatility and talent on both sides of the ball.
In Sanders’ post-game press conference, he expressed concern for Hunter’s health and emphasized the importance of prioritizing his well-being over the game. Sanders stated that they would do whatever it takes to take care of Hunter during his recovery.
This injury to Hunter highlights the significance of player safety in college football. Illegal hits can have severe consequences and impact not only the player but also the team’s performance. It serves as a reminder that player safety should always be a top priority.
In conclusion, Travis Hunter’s absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Colorado Buffaloes. However, the team has shown resilience and depth in its wide receiver group, which can help mitigate the loss. On the defensive end, the Buffaloes face a tough challenge without their star cornerback. The next three weeks will be crucial for Colorado as they navigate through challenging matchups against Oregon, USC, and Arizona State. The team will need to rely on its offense and defense to step up and compensate for Hunter’s absence. Ultimately, the health and well-being of the players should always take precedence over the game.