Colorado vs. Colorado State score, takeaways: Buffaloes cruise for seventh straight win over rival

The Buffaloes forced four turnovers after failing to get a single turnover in their first two games

Colorado bounced back in Week 3 with a dominant 28-9 win against in-state rival Colorado State. The Buffaloes have now won seven straight Rocky Mountain Showdowns, dating back to the 2015 season. 

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders turned in his best performance of the year so far. The Buffaloes star connected on 36 passes for 310 yards and four touchdowns. His beautiful 21-yard touchdown throw to Travis Hunter with 13:20 left in the fourth quarter broke the game open and gave the Buffaloes a 28-3 lead. 

Colorado's defense also deserves a ton of credit for both holding Colorado State out of the end zone for more than three quarters and capitalizing on some of the Rams' back-breaking mistakes. The Buffaloes jumped on two of Colorado State's three fumbles, including a bad snap near the end of the game that brought the Rams' last meaningful offensive drive to an end. 

The Buffaloes also jumped on a pair of bad throws from quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi to net two interceptions. Colorado scored 14 of its points off of turnovers. In all, Colorado forced four turnovers after failing to get a single one in its first two games. 

CBS Sports was here throughout the night with updates, highlights and analysis from the game. Be sure to read on below for takeaways from the game. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 11:19 pm ET · Will Backus]

Colorado avoids the spiral 

Last year, Colorado stormed to a 3-0 start before a blowout loss to Oregon sent the Buffaloes spiraling to a 1-7 finish to the year. After last week's 28-10 drubbing at the hands of Nebraska, questions swirled surrounding Colorado's ability to respond. 

Well, Saturday was quite the statement. The Buffaloes were favored against Colorado State, but they came out with their foot on the gas and didn't let up. A 19-point win against a fierce in-state rival is a resounding message that this team might not wilt so easily to adversity. 

Next week presents another big test, but it's also an opportunity to get Big 12 play started off on the right foot. Colorado hosts a Baylor team that's 5-10 in its last 15 games under Dave Aranda. The Bears haven't beaten a Power Four team since Oct. 21, 2024, when they went on the road and downed Cincinnati. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 11:10 pm ET · Will Backus]

Let Travis Hunter player wherever he wants 

At this point, I'm convinced Hunter could be a halfway decent offensive lineman if he really set his mind to it. Hunter is on a different level than most players at the college level, and he's the truest sense of the word "unicorn" that we have seen in a long time. 

His unearthly versatility was on full display Saturday night. He was Sanders' favorite target on the offensive side of the ball, with 13 catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns. His second touchdown was an especially impressive effort; he controlled his body near the sideline while maintaining a high level of speed and snagged the ball from the air with two feet down in bounds. 

Defensively, he finished with five tackles -- including a chase-down stop that curtailed what would have been a 60-plus yard rushing touchdown -- and one interception that stymied a Colorado State drive fresh off a Colorado fumble. He practically ran the wide receiver's route before finishing the play. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 11:09 pm ET · Will Backus]

Colorado's offensive line dominates 

It's amazing what a good quarterback can accomplish when his offensive line actually gives him an opportunity to throw the ball. After a disastrous performance against Nebraska, in which the Buffaloes gave up six sacks, Colorado imposed its will against Colorado State. The Rams only got through for one sack. 

Besides a few holding penalties, which Colorado is going to have to clean up, this is a game the Buffaloes can build on -- even if Colorado State's pass rush hasn't been great entering Saturday's game. With a mostly clean pocket, Sanders was able to comfortably keep his eyes down field and hit on at least three passes of 20-plus yards. 

The Buffaloes also had their best rushing performance yet, averaging 5.7 yards per carry while tallying 109 total yards on just 19 attempts. Freshman running back Micah Welch was particularly impressive with nine carries for 65 yards. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 10:59 pm ET · Will Backus]

Colorado slams the door 

Not that there was much of a doubt at this point. But Colorado State just had what was likely its last offensive drive of the game -- or at least last sort of meaningful one -- end with a bad snap and yet another fumble. The Buffaloes were able to jump on the ball with a 28-9 lead and three minutes to play. Colorado has a chance to bleed the clock here and, even if it can't take all the time off the board, the deficit is too big to make any sort of difference. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 10:56 pm ET · Will Backus]

Colorado State driving, but this one's about wrapped up 

Late 4Q: Colorado 28, Colorado State 9 

Colorado State has the ball as we approach the 2-minute timeout (not warning), but this one seems well out of reach for the Rams. The most noteworthy thing to happen on this drive is the fact that Colorado star Travis Hunter returned to the field. He appeared to tweak his shoulder on a chase-down tackle earlier in the game and actually missed one of Colorado's offensive drives. It didn't seem to be a major setback, though, as he was back out on defense. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 10:37 pm ET · Will Backus]

Colorado State shows signs of life

Mid 4Q: Colorado 28, Colorado State 9

It may be too little, too late at this point but Colorado State finally found the end zone thanks to a strong run game. Running back Avery Morrow ripped off a run of 62 yards and was robbed of a long touchdown by Travis Hunter, who had to come off the field after chasing him down. Justin Marshall finished the drive a couple plays later with an easy 5-yard rushing touchdown. CSU went for two but didn't come up with it. A 19-point deficit may be a lot of ground to make up with just under 10 minutes to play, but the Rams have at least a bit of a spark. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 10:31 pm ET · Will Backus]

Colorado adds to lead with phenomenal touchdown catch 

Early 4Q: Colorado 28, Colorado State 3 

Travis Hunter, the football player that you are. Colorado's unicorn just added to his team's lead with a phenomenal touchdown catch. He raced past two Colorado State defenders and adjusted his body on the run to snag the ball out of the air and get both feet down in bounds. That was his second touchdown reception of the night. He also has an interception while playing defense. So typical Travis Hunter things. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 10:19 pm ET · Will Backus]

Colorado cruising after three 

End 3Q: Colorado 21, Colorado State 3 

Colorado is in full control after three quarters. The Buffaloes have scored 21 unanswered points after falling behind 3-0 early. The Rams had a chance to shift some momentum near the end of the third quarter when linebacker Buom Jock forced a fumble, but Colorado State got forced into a fourth-and-12 situation near midfield and quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi threw his second interception of the game -- this one to Travis Hunter -- on an ill-advised throw over the middle of the field. 

To call Colorado State's offense ineffective thus far would be an insult to the word ineffective. The Rams are averaging a paltry 4.2 yards per play. Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders has 226 yards passing. Colorado State has 202 yards as a team. With how things are going, the Rams might need a miracle to make this one interesting in the final frame. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 10:12 pm ET · Will Backus]

Colorado State's defense comes up big 

Just a couple plays after a fumble of its own, Colorado State's defense just forced a crucial turnover to give the ball back to the offense with a chance to at least make this game a little more interesting. CSU linebacker Buom Jock punched the ball out of running back Isaiah Augustave's hand just before he hit the ground, allowing his teammates to jump on it and get the ball back. Now it's on the Rams offense to actually capitalize. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 10:09 pm ET · Will Backus]

Another back-breaking mistake for Rams 

Colorado State just had a 16-play and 82-yard drive that moved the ball all the way to Colorado's 4-yard line... and ended in a fumble recovered by Colorado. Buffaloes linebacker LaVonta Bentley, who has had a really nice game, did a great job of ripping the ball out of running back Keegan Holles' hands and slamming the door on Colorado State's best scoring opportunity all night. It was a devastating mistake for the Rams, who desperately needed to score a touchdown to try and curb some of Colorado's momentum. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 10:05 pm ET · Will Backus]

Key moment coming up for Colorado State 

Colorado State is driving well and has the ball on Colorado's 21-yard line, but the Rams will face a third-and-6 when the game comes back from break. If the Rams don't convert, they're going to have to try and go for it. A touchdown is almost a requirement at this point with Colorado sitting on a 21-3 lead. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 9:50 pm ET · Will Backus]

Colorado jumping all over Colorado State 

Early 3Q: Colorado 21, Colorado State 3 

Colorado didn't take long to capitalize off of Preston Hodge's interception, though it wasn't too hard for the Buffaloes after taking over at Colorado State's 12-yard line. The Buffs scored in two plays: the first was a 10-yard completion to LaJohntay Wester, followed by a 2-yard scoring strike to do-it-all star Travis Hunter. Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders has now completed 25 passes for 199 yards and all three of Colorado's touchdowns. If Colorado State can't find the end zone on its next drive, this one is going to get well out of hand. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 9:46 pm ET · Will Backus]

Fowler-Nicolosi makes crucial mistake

After allowing 14 unanswered points on two 80-yard plus drives to end the first half, Colorado State's defense buckled down and forced a Colorado punt to start the third quarter. With an opportunity to at least give the defense some much-needed rest, Colorado State took over on its own 2-yard line. On second-and-9, quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi scrambled to his right and then tried to make a throw across his body to the middle of the field. It was, predictably, intercepted by Colorado defensive back Preston Hodge, who returned it to the Colorado State 12-yard line. It was a crucial mistake as the Buffaloes now have a prime chance to expand on their 14-3 lead. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 9:34 pm ET · Will Backus]

Tory Horton watch

Colorado starts the second half with the ball, but it's still worth paying attention to the status of Colorado State wide receiver Tory Horton. The Rams star was limping at the end of the first half and he was on the exercise bike to start the third quarter. According to the CBS broadcast, Horton is battling through a groin injury that he suffered in Week 2 against Northern Colorado. He's going to try and play through it, but if he's limited at all that's a huge blow to Colorado State's offense. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 9:26 pm ET · Will Backus]

Colorado State needs a clean second half

Colorado's offense did a great job of adjusting and taking advantage of Colorado State's lackluster secondary play, but the Rams didn't help themselves with some bad penalties in the first half. On the Buffaloes' first scoring drive, Colorado faced a second-and-13, and quarterback Shedeur Sanders threw an incomplete pass, but a roughing the passer penalty gave Colorado a first down and extended what became a touchdown possession. Then, on Colorado's next drive, the Buffaloes were forced into second-and-21 after back-to-back holding penalties. Then running back Micah Welch ripped off a 16-yard run, and CSU was called for a facemask that tacked 15 free yards onto the big gain. Three plays later, Sanders connected with LaJohntay Wester for his second touchdown pass. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 9:05 pm ET · Will Backus]

Colorado expands its lead 

Late 2Q: Colorado 14, Colorado State 3 

Shedeur Sanders is dealing. He just connected with wide receiver LaJohntay Wester for a 34-yard touchdown -- the longest play for either team all day -- to expand Colorado's lead right before halftime. The Buffaloes also get the ball to start the second half, putting them in prime position to blow this game open. Colorado's offensive line deserves credit, as well. After a disastrous performance against Nebraska, the Buffaloes have done a great job keeping Colorado State's pass rush in check. The Rams still don't have a single sack. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 8:56 pm ET · Will Backus]

Shedeur Sanders finding his footing 

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders started the game with six completions for just 25 yards. Through Colorado's first two drives, he was averaging just 2.7 yards per attempt. Since then, though, the Buffaloes star has started to pick apart Colorado State's zone-heavy defense. The Rams defensive backs are giving Colorado's talent skill players a lot of cushion in coverage and the Buffaloes are taking advantage with quick passes over the middle of the field. Sanders currently has 119 yards and one touchdown passing. Colorado State has 73 total yards as a team. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 8:45 pm ET · Will Backus]

Colorado finds the end zone

Late 2Q: Colorado 7, Colorado State 3 

That was a really nice drive from the Buffaloes to break their offensive stupor and shake off a lackluster start. Colorado did a good job of taking advantage of soft coverage from Colorado State's defense and worked some underneath routes well. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders found his rhythm, passing for 68 yards and the eventual 4-yard touchdown to LaJohntay Wester. It will be interesting to see if Colorado State's defense changes it approach, given that Colorado carved up the off-coverage and got the ball into the hands of its playmakers. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 8:40 pm ET · Will Backus]

Colorado State extending Colorado's drive 

Colorado has it working midway through the second quarter, albeit with some help from Colorado State. The Rams finally stopped some of the Buffaloes' momentum with a huge tackle for loss on a wide receiver screen to Travis Hunter. But on the very next play, CSU defensive lineman Andrew Laurich was called for roughing the passer. Colorado is already in scoring distance, with a chance to take its first lead of the game. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 8:27 pm ET · Will Backus]

Colorado State winning the field position battle 

Mark Vassett just had a nice 55-yard punt, which was a tremendous improvement on his first 20-yard kick, but Colorado State will still have nice field position after a 15-yard return from star wide receiver Tory Horton. It didn't help that Vassett was punting with his back to Colorado's end zone. The Rams will take over at their own 48-yard line, just a couple drives after one of their possessions began at their own 45-yard line. It would be good to turn these opportunities into touchdowns. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 8:17 pm ET · Will Backus]

Colorado State up after one 

End 1Q: Colorado State 3, Colorado 0 

Not a ton of fireworks early between Colorado State and Colorado, but the Rams have done a good job containing an explosive Colorado offense. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders did complete six of his first nine passes, but that only covered 25 yards. Colorado's longest pass went for a total of nine yards. 

Colorado State also capitalized on Colorado's only mistake thus far, as the Rams turned a bad punt into the first points of the game thanks to an 8-play, 48-yard drive that ended in a 25-yard field goal. Colorado State will have the ball on its own 42-yard line when play resumes. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 8:10 pm ET · Will Backus]

Colorado State with a big stop 

Colorado had a chance to match Colorado State's game-opening field goal with a kick of its own, but Alejandro Mata's 44-yard attempt went well wide of the goalposts. That was a big win for the Rams defense, which buckled a bit on their second drive in the game but eventually locked things down once Colorado crossed midfield. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 7:59 pm ET · Will Backus]

Colorado State opens the scoring

Mid 1Q: Colorado State 3, Colorado 0 

Colorado State would have liked to come away with more points after moving the ball all the way inside Colorado's 10-yard line, but the Rams did open the scoring after a slow start for both teams. Kicker Jordan Noyes nailed a 25-yard field goal to give his team an early lead. At least the Rams were able to take advantage of favorable field position after a bad Colorado punt went out of bounds near midfield. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 7:48 pm ET · Will Backus]

Trading empty possessions 

Not much doing for either team early in the Rocky Mountain Showdown. Colorado State opened the game with a quick three-and-out. Colorado followed that up with a false start penalty on its first play and then a gain of two total yards on second and third downs before being forced to punt. And an ugly punt it was: Mark Vassett's boot only went 20 yards before going out of bounds at Colorado State's 45-yard line. The Rams will be in prime position to make some noise when the game resumes. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 7:41 pm ET · Will Backus]

Colorado State set to get things started 

Colorado won the coin toss and deferred to the second half, so Colorado State will open things up on offense. It's worth watching the health of star wide receiver Tory Horton, who suffered an injury in Week 2 against Northern Colorado. He is in the Rams' lineup and took the field on the first drive, but if he's limited in any way that would be a huge blow to Colorado State's offense. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 7:15 pm ET · Will Backus]

Colorado vs. Colorado State prediction 

Colorado is 2-5 under Sanders outside the friendly confines of Folsom Field. We've already seen how things can unravel for the Buffaloes on the road this season. They had nine penalties for a total of 104 yards against Nebraska last week and failed to find any sort of rhythm as their first five offensive drives ended in three punts, a turnover on downs and a pick six. It will also be interesting to see how Sanders' team responds from adversity. The 2023 showed us that the wheels can come off quickly if losses start stacking up. Not picking Colorado State to win, but the Rams should be able to keep it close.  Pick: Colorado State +7.5

[Sep 14, 2024 at 7:00 pm ET · Will Backus]

Jay Norvell's patience close to paying off 

Patience is nothing new for Colorado State coach Jay Norvell. He has been patient his whole life. The longtime receivers coach and offensive coordinator spent 31 years as an assistant -- where he succeeded over and over and over again -- before he finally got a head coaching opportunity. 

"I interviewed for a ton of head coaching jobs: Iowa State, Arizona, Washington, Boston College," Norvell told CBS Sports. "I really have a lot of respect for coaches that have gone through this and are in the profession for the right reasons -- to help young people and be examples. We have an opportunity to change people's lives." 

Now Norvell has a chance to do big things at Colorado State. 

With Colorado rivalry next up, Jay Norvell's patience has Colorado State on verge of a breakthrough

Shehan Jeyarajah

[Sep 14, 2024 at 6:30 pm ET · Will Backus]

Could be a get-right game for Colorado in trenches 

Colorado State has struggled to find a pass rush after losing Mohamed Kamara, who had two sacks against Colorado last year, to the NFL. The Rams have just one sack through their first two games and that came in the season opener against Texas. Colorado, which has struggled along both lines of scrimmage throughout Sanders' tenure, let Nebraska get to quarterback Shedeur Sanders six times. Suffice to say, something has to give in Saturday's game. Maybe the Buffaloes can start to impose their will and have a bit of a bounce back. 

Lopsided loss to Nebraska a painful reminder of Colorado's struggles in trenches

Chris Hummer

[Sep 14, 2024 at 6:15 pm ET · Will Backus]

Diving into Rocky Mountain Showdown's weird future 

Whoever wins Saturday will have bragging rights for at least the next five years. Though the two teams used to play annually, COVID-19 restrictions during the 2020 season and complications from conference realignment meant a different approach to scheduling Colorado vs. Colorado State. The two played last year and will obviously play this year, but there will be a hiatus until 2029-30 for another home-and-home, with Colorado State hosting first. That on again, off again schedule continues through 2038, with six games scheduled between Saturday and then. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 6:00 pm ET · Will Backus]

All eyes on Tory Horton 

Colorado State superstar wide receiver Tory Horton suffered an injury against Northern Colorado and his status for Saturday's game is in the air. Rams coach Jay Norvell said Monday that he's "hopeful" that Horton will be able to suit up. CSU could certainly use him. He had 16 catches for 133 yards and one touchdown against the Buffaloes last season. Watching Horton and Colorado cornerback Travis Hunter face off would be well-worth the price of admission. 

Horton also has an interesting backstory. For all of his success at the collegiate level thus far, he was a very lightly recruited high school prospect -- despite playing on the same 7-on-7 team as current NFL wide receivers Xavier Worthy and Jalen McMillan. 

From under-the-radar recruit to star: Prolific Colorado State WR Tory Horton set for big stage against Buffs

Brandon Huffman