Colorado moves up in Top 25 poll after Utah win

The Colorado Buffaloes are experiencing a significant revival under the leadership of head coach Deion Sanders, advancing in the AP Top 25 poll for the third consecutive week following a commanding 49-24 victory against Utah. They have ascended two positions to No. 16, just below BYU, which recently faced its first defeat of the season. This victory represents the Buffaloes' most impressive performance during Sanders' tenure, marking their highest ranking since 2016. With a current record of 8-2, the Buffaloes have clearly established themselves as a program on the rise at a pivotal moment.

Travis Hunter emerged as the exceptional performer, delivering a historic display on the field. He became the first player in college or professional football since 2000 to achieve 50 receiving yards, a rushing touchdown, and an interception within a single game. This remarkable accomplishment had not been seen at the NFL or FBS level since Champ Bailey achieved it for the Washington Football Team in 1999. Hunter's electrifying performance not only strengthened his Heisman Trophy candidacy but also underscored his extraordinary versatility. Meanwhile, quarterback Shedeur Sanders continued to break records with another impressive performance. He completed 30 of 41 passes for 340 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, marking his sixth 300-yard passing game of the season and extending his own program record. With a total of 3,222 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and seven interceptions this season, Sanders has become the first quarterback in CU history to record multiple seasons with over 3,000 passing yards. His 27 touchdown passes match his total from the previous season, placing him just one shy of Sefo Liufau’s single-season record of 28. Furthermore, Sanders established a new CU record by throwing a touchdown pass in his 21st consecutive game, surpassing Liufau’s previous streak of 20 from 2013-14.

Deion Sanders' remarks following Colorado's victory against Utah highlight the impressive performance of the team's offense. Sanders has achieved a completion rate of 70 percent or higher in ten career games, each with a minimum of 30 attempts, setting a record for the program. The Buffs' capacity to maintain consistently high-level performances has propelled them into the national spotlight. In the AP poll, the top five teams remain unchanged, with Oregon holding the top position, followed by Ohio State, Texas, Penn State, and Indiana. Recent losses by BYU and Tennessee have caused shifts in the rankings below the top tier, enabling Notre Dame and Alabama to ascend.

Colorado's rise solidifies its status as a significant contender in college football. With just two weeks remaining in the 2024 regular season, Sanders and the Buffs have the opportunity to create a substantial impact as they pursue a spot in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. Below is the complete AP Top 25 College Football Ranking for Week 13.

1. Oregon2. Ohio State3. Texas4. Penn State5. Indiana6. Notre Dame7. Alabama8. Georgia9. Ole Miss10. Tennessee11. Miami12. Boise State13. SMU14. BYU15. Texas A&M16. Colorado17. Clemson18. Army19. South Carolina20. Tulane21. Arizona State22. Iowa State23. UNLV24. Illinois25. Washington State