Colorado's Colton Hood 59-yard interception vs. Kansas State

Buffs freshman stepping up in the secondary with Travis Hunter out

CU Buffs

Colorado defensive back Colton Hood made a crucial play in the fourth quarter to keep his team alive in a tense game. With just under four minutes left on the clock, Hood stepped in front of a pass and returned it for 59 yards, giving Colorado a much-needed spark. The interception came at a pivotal moment, as the Buffaloes were trying to claw their way back into the game without two of their key players—star cornerback Travis Hunter and wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr.

Hood, a freshman, was thrust into action in the second half after Hunter left the game due to injury. Hunter, known for his two-way abilities as both a cornerback and wide receiver, was a critical loss for Colorado's defense, but Hood stepped up in his absence. Hood showed excellent awareness and anticipation on the interception, reading the quarterback’s eyes and making a break on the ball at just the right moment. His long return put Colorado in a strong position to rally late in the game.

"JUMPED AND PICKED OFF"

Colton Hood gets the INT and @CUBuffsFootball is in prime position.#Big12FB | 📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/fU5boyfjcu

— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) October 13, 2024

In addition to Hunter, the Buffaloes were also without wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr., who had been ruled out and was seen on the sidelines for the remainder of the game. Without Horn, Colorado’s offense struggled to generate momentum, making Hood's defensive play even more critical.

Though the Buffaloes faced adversity with injuries to key players, Hood’s interception provided a lifeline. His performance showed the depth of Colorado's defense, highlighting how younger players like him can step up in crucial moments to keep the team in the fight.