Coach Prime moved himself into a different conversation after the 27-point victory

Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes achieved one of the most stunning upsets in Week 5 of the college football season. As 14-point underdogs heading into their away game against UCF, very few anticipated that Colorado would not only win but also dominate the Knights in their packed home stadium. The Buffaloes delivered a decisive victory that sent a powerful message to the Big 12 and the broader college football community. According to Sanders, this win showcases the significant progress the program has made since its disappointing 1-11 record in 2022. "I feel like we're moving in the right direction," Sanders shared during the postgame press conference. "I believe you all are witnessing the results of immense hard work, dedication, and excellent hires." Here are four key takeaways from CU's impressive performance.

As the Colorado Buffaloes geared up for their Saturday matchup with the UCF Knights, the team was likely still riding the wave of excitement from their nail-biting overtime win against Baylor the previous week. Meanwhile, UCF was also buzzing after a thrilling comeback victory in their conference opener, where they overcame a 21-point deficit to edge out TCU 35-34. Additionally, Saturday's game marked a special homecoming for Colorado's head coach Deion Sanders, a Fort Myers native and former star at Florida State.

Travis Hunter deserves to be in the Heisman conversation

Colorado's success can be largely attributed to the outstanding performance of two-way star Travis Hunter. As Week 5 approached, he held the fifth-best odds for the Heisman Trophy, and his impressive display against UCF likely boosted his chances. On the offensive side, Hunter recorded nine receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown, while on defense, he contributed with two solo tackles, an interception, and a pass breakup. His influence was evident throughout the game, and after making the interception, he celebrated with the Heisman pose, showcasing why he’s considered one of the top players in the nation. However, he’s not guaranteed the Heisman just yet, as quarterbacks like Cam Ward from Miami, Jalen Milroe from Alabama, and Nico Iamaleava from Tennessee are also strong contenders. To remain in the Heisman race, Hunter will need to maintain his exceptional performance and help lead Colorado to more wins.

The victory against UCF stands out as perhaps Deion Sanders' most significant achievement as the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes. With eight wins now to his credit, none have had as profound an impact as the triumph in Week 5. The Buffaloes entered the match as considerable underdogs, facing a UCF team that boasted the second-best odds to clinch the Big 12 title, trailing only Utah. Colorado's superiority across all three facets of the game highlighted the exceptional coaching prowess of Sanders and his staff. Despite the renowned reputation of UCF head coach Gus Malzahn, it was Sanders and his coordinators who effectively outmaneuvered their rivals, culminating in a commanding 27-point victory—the largest margin for Colorado in a conference road game since 2005. This raises the question of whether the Buffaloes could become a formidable force with a consistent rushing attack. The team’s achievements were further bolstered by a revitalized running game. Initially, Colorado's ground game appeared ineffective, but that perception has shifted. Freshman running back Micah Welch has emerged as a significant goal-line asset, having scored three rushing touchdowns in the past two games. Additionally, Ohio State transfer Dallan Hayden made his return from injury, marking his first touchdown as a Buffalo, while Arkansas transfer Isaiah Augustave led the rushing efforts for the second week in a row. The offensive line has shown marked improvement, and the running backs, each possessing unique skill sets, are progressively enhancing their performance with every game.

Colorado's defense has evolved into a formidable force, especially in its ability to halt opposing rushing attacks. Entering the matchup, UCF boasted the nation's leading rushing offense, averaging an impressive 375 yards per game. Nevertheless, Colorado's defensive unit rose to the occasion, restricting the Knights to a mere 177 rushing yards and generating four turnovers. Throughout the season, the Buffs' defense has been particularly exceptional in the second half, conceding only 5.2 points per game after halftime. In Week 5, they showcased their prowess with 13 tackles for loss and five sacks, highlighting their capacity to apply pressure on the quarterback and disrupt offensive strategies. Should Colorado maintain this level of intensity and execution, they are poised to become a significant contender in the Big 12, with Deion Sanders' team likely to continue its upward trajectory.