Colorado two-way football star Travis Hunter gave a coy response this week when asked about the shoulder injury he suffered in last Saturday’s loss against Kansas State.
“We ain’t gonna speak on that until they see me this Saturday,” he said on his YouTube podcast. “They’ll figure it out.”
Hunter and Colorado play at Arizona today at 4 p.m. ET on Fox. So we’re all about to find out:
Is Hunter healthy enough to do what he normally does – catching passes, making interceptions, throwing blocks and tackling ball carriers?
The answer to that could have a big impact on two huge races under head coach Deion Sanders – Colorado’s quest for the Big 12 Conference title and Hunter’s candidacy for the Heisman Trophy.
Sanders said Hunter “should play for certain” against Arizona (3-3) but also didn’t elaborate. His defense could use Hunter today against Arizona receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who ranks third nationally with 123.7 receiving yards per game. A win would put the Buffaloes (4-2) one victory away from bowl eligibility with five games remaining after this.
Follow along here for updates on the game, news and highlights:
Travis Hunter injury: Colorado star leaves out of caution
Two-way star Travis Hunter did not dress for the second half against Arizona and is done for the game after returning from a right shoulder injury last week against Kansas State. Hunter played in the first half Saturday and caught two passes for 17 yards, including a 14-yard catch on fourth down that set up a touchdown.
Fox reporter Allison Williams said Hunter slightly aggravated his shoulder injury and is sitting out for the second half out of caution with Colorado leading 28-7 at halftime.
Arizona linebacker Jacob Manu injured
Arizona has been bit by the injury bug in this game, including the loss of linebacker Jacob Manu in the first half. Manu is the Wildcats’ leading tackler and came out of the game with an apparent knee injury. He had four tackles Saturday before being removed.
HALFTIME: Colorado 28, Arizona 7
Colorado survived a strange sequence in the second quarter in which there were three turnovers in the span of six plays – a botched snap by Colorado, a fumble by Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita and then an interception thrown by Shedeur Sanders.
Arizona didn’t capitalize on it, though. Colorado instead took a 28-7 lead with 1:07 left in the first half after a 6-yard touchdown run up the middle by Sanders.
Sanders has led the Buffaloes to one of their best halves of football under head coach Deion Sanders. He is 15-for-21 passing for 173 yards and two touchdowns with one interception.
Colorado receiver LaJohntay Wester has six catches for 106 yards. Two-way star Travis Hunter has caught two passes for 17 yards.
Travis Hunter comes up with big catch, Colorado up 21-7
Travis Hunter asserted his return from injury in the second quarter when he came up with a 14-yard catch on fourth down for Colorado. The catch brough the Buffaloes to the Arizona 16-yard line, where they set up to score on the next play – a 16-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Shedeur Sanders to receiver Will Sheppard, a transfer from Vanderbilt.
Sheppard caught the ball on the right side of the end zone and barely kept his left foot in bounds to help Colorado take a 21-7 lead.
The Buffs have scored touchdowns on all three of their possession so far.
Colorado leads 14-7 at end of first quarter
Arizona responded on its second possession of the game to cut Colorado’s lead to 14-7 with 1:17 left in the first quarter. Receiver Chris Hunter scored the touchdown from 1 yard out, capping a 75-yard, 10-play drive for the Wildcats.
Arizona Quarterback Noah Fifita is 3-for-5 passing for 27 yards and a touchdown. Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders is 6-for-6 passing for 78 yards and one touchdown.
Buffaloes up 14-0 after another touchdown
Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders is on a roll again. He has completed five straight passes to start the game against Arizona and has led the Buffaloes to touchdowns on his first two possessions. Colorado now leads 14-0 with 6:16 left in the first quarter after a 1-yard touchdown pass up the middle to freshman Drelon Miller.
Shedeur Sanders set a school record last week with 16 consecutive completions in a 31-28 loss at home against Kansas State.
Colorado takes 7-0 lead
Colorado recovered an onside kick on the opening kickoff and used the short field position to take a 7-0 lead with 12:37 left in the first quarter. Running back Isaiah Augustave capped the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run just two plays after receiver LaJohntay Wester reeled in a 46-yard pass from quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Travis Hunter has returned from his shoulder injury last week and was working with the starting offense but hasn’t yet caught a pass.
When is the Colorado-Arizona game?
Kickoff is at 4 p.m. ET Saturday, Oct. 19 from Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Arizona.
How to watch Colorado-Arizona game
The game will be broadcast on Fox and also is available on Fubo.
Is Travis Hunter playing for Colorado?
Coach Deion Sanders said the receiver-cornerback should play vs. Arizona despite his shoulder injury last week. How much he plays is another matter. The nature of his shoulder injury hasn’t been revealed, such as if it was a “stinger” or nerve injury that could allow him to come back sooner than more serious shoulder problems.
Why is MC Hammer at the Colorado-Arizona game?
Hip-hop artist MC Hammer came to this game and has strong ties to it. Arizona’s running backs coach, Alonzo Carter, previously toured with him as a dancer. Colorado coach Deion Sanders also recorded a song and music video with Hammer that was released in 1994 entitled “Straight to my Feet.”
Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com
