Colorado fans are flying high after the Buffaloes’ improbable comeback win over Baylor this past weekend. First, Shedeur Sanders and LaJohntay Wester connected for a 43-yard Hail Mary to tie the game as time expired, sending the game to overtime, 31-31.
Then, after taking the lead on their first overtime possession, Colorado was backed up on a first-and-goal situation for Baylor. That’s when Travis Hunter’s biggest moment of the season came to life, as he forced a fumble right at the goalline to secure the win for the Buffs and move them to 3-1 on the year.
The victory has Buffs’ fans feeling like they’ve got a real shot at making some noise in the Big 12 this season, but there are still those who doubt that CU can do much more than what we just witnessed.
ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, who’s gone on record as a Colorado doubter already, says that the ceiling just doesn’t get any higher for this team, and it all falls on one position group.
When asked whether the statement “Colorado can win the Big 12” is fact or fiction, Finebaum was certain that it was the latter.
“I would say fiction, Greeny,” Finebaum said on Get Up. “Everyone loved what we saw. It was arguably the play of the year, it wasn’t really even arguable, but they’re still not there. Their offensive line still cannot protect (Shedeur) Sanders, and that’s really the problem. And that’s what will be their undoing before this season is over.”
Regardless of whether you agree with Finebaum or not, it’s hard to argue that the Buffaloes’ offensive line doesn’t remain a glaring weakness. Through four games, Shedeur Sanders has been sacked 16 times (including eight times against Baylor), and the Buffs are averaging just 68.8 yards rushing per game.
For context, they rank 130th nationally in sacks allowed and 129th in rushing offense.
If that doesn’t improve, it is hard to see Colorado winning enough games to get them to Arlington — especially when you consider that teams like UCF, Kansas State, Utah, and Oklahoma State are all still ahead on the schedule.
Colorado heads to Orlando this Saturday to take on UCF (3-0), with kickoff scheduled for 11:00 a.m. CT. The Buffs enter the game as a 15-point underdog.
