Colorado takes 13-point halftime lead on the road vs. UCF

Buffaloes are playing sound football against the Knights

Mike Watters-Imagn Images

The Colorado Buffaloes football team has gotten off to a solid start this season, currently sitting at 3-1 after an exhilarating overtime victory against Baylor University last week. The game was an intense back-and-forth contest that ended with a 38-31 Buffaloes win, thanks to a game-saving forced fumble by standout player Travis Hunter in the end zone. This key defensive play prevented Baylor from pushing the game into double overtime, securing the Buffs' third win of the season.

As they prepare to face the UCF Golden Knights this weekend, the oddsmakers have pegged the Buffaloes as a considerable underdog. CBS Sports lists Colorado as a 14.5-point underdog, a surprising line considering their recent performances under Coach Deion “Prime” Sanders. Despite this, Coach Prime and the Buffaloes seem unfazed by the odds, ready to prove themselves once again. They’ve already shown the ability to defy expectations, and the upcoming matchup presents an opportunity for another upset.

In the first half of the game against UCF, Colorado came out strong. Coach Prime’s motivational tactics appeared to work well as the Buffs jumped out to a 14-point lead early in the second quarter. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the son of Coach Prime, has been leading the offense with confidence and efficiency.

Sanders has thrown the ball 17 times, completing 14 passes for 131 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Despite the early interception, Sanders has maintained control of the game, showcasing his resilience and maturity as a quarterback. The Buffs’ rushing attack has also been highly effective, already racking up two rushing touchdowns and averaging a solid 5.9 yards per carry.

WATCH: Shedeur Sanders 47-yard touchdown to Will Shepard vs. UCF

UCF’s quarterback, KJ Jefferson, managed to answer back late in the second quarter, leading a successful drive that culminated in a rushing touchdown. This cut Colorado’s lead down to seven points. However, UCF's momentum didn’t last long. The Buffaloes defense held strong and forced a turnover on downs, giving Colorado the chance to extend their lead. They capitalized on the opportunity with a field goal just before halftime, pushing their lead to 24-14.

Although Jefferson has performed well, completing 13 passes for 133 yards with one touchdown and one interception, UCF’s offense has struggled to establish the ground game. This has been a surprise to many, as the Knights typically rely on their run-heavy offensive scheme. In the first half, the Buffaloes' defense stifled UCF's rushing attack, holding them to just 43 yards on the ground and a meager 2.4 yards per carry. These defensive efforts have been key to Colorado’s success, and heading into halftime, they have reason to feel optimistic.

With a 13-point lead at the break, many bettors in who took UCF as 14.5-point favorites must be feeling nervous. Colorado’s defense has shut down the top-ranked rushing team in the nation, and if they can maintain this level of performance in the second half, they could secure yet another upset victory.

The second half will hinge on the adjustments made by both teams. If Coach Prime and the Buffaloes can continue to disrupt UCF’s offense, particularly their rushing attack, they have a strong chance of leaving this game with a 4-1 record, further solidifying their status as one of the season’s biggest surprises.