The Colorado Buffaloes defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats in a compelling matchup, achieving bowl eligibility for the first time since 2016 (excluding the 2020 season). Fans searching for “Where To Watch Cincinnati Bearcats Football Vs Colorado Buffaloes Football” likely tuned into ESPN to witness a game filled with offensive highlights and pivotal moments. This recap provides a detailed look at the game, key plays, and standout performances.
Colorado secured a 34-23 victory over Cincinnati in a game that showcased the talents of Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Travis Hunter. A late field goal and a crucial defensive stop just before halftime proved decisive for Colorado (6-2, 4-1 Big 12) against Cincinnati (5-3, 3-2 Big 12).
The Bearcats, trailing 17-14 late in the second quarter, faced a critical fourth-down situation. Unable to convert, they handed the ball to Colorado near midfield with only 30 seconds remaining in the half. Shedeur Sanders capitalized swiftly, connecting with Travis Hunter for a touchdown, extending Colorado’s lead to 24-14 as they headed into the break. This momentum shift proved difficult for Cincinnati to overcome.
Despite Cincinnati narrowing the gap to 31-23 late in the fourth quarter, the Buffaloes responded with a 47-yard field goal from Alejandro Mata, sealing the victory with 1:39 left on the clock.
Cincinnati Bearcats football game against Colorado Buffaloes, with a focus on Scott Springer's game analysis.
Hunter and Sanders Shine for Colorado
Travis Hunter delivered an exceptional performance on both sides of the ball for Colorado. Offensively, he caught nine passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, he added four pass breakups, demonstrating his versatility and impact on the game. Shedeur Sanders was highly efficient, completing 25 of 30 passes for 323 yards and two touchdowns to Hunter. Sanders also contributed a rushing touchdown, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. Running back Isaiah Augustave added 91 rushing yards and a touchdown to Colorado’s offensive output.
Bearcats’ Offense Shows Promise but Falls Short
For Cincinnati, quarterback Brendan Sorsby completed 16 of 30 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns. Corey Kiner, after a slow start, finished with 94 rushing yards on 17 carries. Evan Pryor scored a rushing touchdown, while Joe Royer and Tony Johnson each caught touchdown passes. However, the Bearcats’ offense struggled to consistently move the ball against the Buffaloes’ defense, particularly in the second half.
Key Game Moments
Mata’s Clutch Field Goal: With 1:39 remaining, Alejandro Mata’s 47-yard field goal extended Colorado’s lead to 34-23, effectively putting the game out of reach for Cincinnati. This score occurred after Cincinnati had closed within eight points, making the kick a crucial moment in securing the win.
Hunter’s Big Catch Before Halftime: Just before halftime, with seconds ticking away, Shedeur Sanders connected with Travis Hunter for a 34-yard touchdown. This play extended Colorado’s lead to double digits and provided a significant psychological advantage heading into the second half. It was a clear example of Colorado’s ability to score quickly and efficiently.
Royer Touchdown and Two-Point Conversion Attempt: In the fourth quarter, Joe Royer’s touchdown catch brought Cincinnati within eight points, 31-23. The Bearcats opted for a two-point conversion to try and further close the gap, but the attempt failed. While the touchdown demonstrated Cincinnati’s resilience, the failed two-point conversion kept Colorado in control.
Cincinnati Defense Forces a Three-and-Out: With 7:30 left in the fourth quarter and down by two scores, the Cincinnati defense stepped up, forcing a crucial three-and-out against Colorado. This gave the Bearcats’ offense an opportunity to mount a comeback, but ultimately, they could not capitalize fully.
Hawks Field Goal Cuts the Lead: Earlier in the fourth quarter, Nathan Hawks converted a 32-yard field goal, narrowing Colorado’s lead to 31-17. This score demonstrated Cincinnati’s persistence and kept them within striking distance for a portion of the final quarter.
Augustave Extends Colorado Lead in Third: Isaiah Augustave’s seven-yard touchdown run in the third quarter extended Colorado’s lead to 31-14. This score came after Cincinnati struggled to move the ball to start the second half, widening the Buffaloes’ advantage.
Hunter’s First Touchdown: Travis Hunter’s first touchdown catch of the game, a three-yard reception from Sanders in the first quarter, gave Colorado an early 7-0 lead. This score highlighted the connection between Sanders and Hunter early in the contest.
Sanders Rushing Touchdown: As the first quarter expired, Shedeur Sanders scored a rushing touchdown, extending Colorado’s lead to 14-7. This play showcased Sanders’ mobility and added to Colorado’s first-quarter offensive success.
Johnson Touchdown Ties the Game: In response to Colorado’s opening score, Tony Johnson caught a six-yard touchdown pass from Brendan Sorsby, tying the game at 7-7 in the first quarter. This score demonstrated Cincinnati’s ability to answer back early in the game.
Pryor Rushing Touchdown Ties the Game Again: After Colorado regained the lead, Evan Pryor’s rushing touchdown tied the game once more at 14-14 in the second quarter. This back-and-forth scoring early in the game made for an exciting contest for viewers who tuned in to watch Cincinnati Bearcats football vs Colorado Buffaloes football.
Game Summary
The game was a tale of two halves in some respects. Colorado built a significant halftime lead and managed to maintain it through the second half, despite Cincinnati’s efforts to close the gap. Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter were the clear standouts for the Buffaloes, while Brendan Sorsby and Corey Kiner led the offensive charge for the Bearcats.
Colorado’s victory marked a significant milestone, achieving bowl eligibility and continuing their positive season trajectory. For Cincinnati, the loss was a setback, but they remain in a competitive position within the Big 12 conference.
For fans who searched “where to watch Cincinnati Bearcats football vs Colorado Buffaloes football”, the game on ESPN delivered an exciting contest with plenty of offensive action and crucial plays. While the live broadcast is over, highlights and potentially replays might be available through ESPN’s digital platforms for those wanting to relive the game.
This matchup, only the second between Cincinnati and Colorado since 1972, provided a memorable chapter in their limited series history. Colorado now leads the all-time series 2-0.
Final Score: Colorado 34, Cincinnati 23
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati | 7 | 7 | 0 | 9 | 23 |
| Colorado | 14 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 34 |
