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

The Buffs offense are taking it to the Knights defense early

Sep 21, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Will Sheppard (14) stretches before the game against the Baylor Bears at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images / Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

In a thrilling first quarter filled with fireworks, Colorado Buffaloes safety Preston Hodge made a game-changing play against UCF. With UCF threatening to score, Hodge intercepted quarterback KJ Jefferson in the end zone, halting the drive and securing a touchback for Colorado. The pick set Shedeur Sanders and the Buffaloes’ offense up at the 20-yard line, and they immediately took advantage of the turnover.

On the ensuing drive, Colorado executed an 11-play, 80-yard drive, capped off by a perfectly placed 23-yard touchdown pass from Sanders to dynamic two-way player Travis Hunter. Hunter, showcasing his athleticism, walked into the end zone for his sixth touchdown of the season. The score gave Colorado a 7-0 lead with 3:49 remaining in the first quarter, and it seemed the Buffs had all the momentum.

However, UCF quickly responded with a huge play of their own. Running back RJ Harvey took a pass from KJ Jefferson 75 yards to the house, tying the game at 7-7 just 11 seconds later, with 3:38 left in the first quarter. The quick strike stunned Colorado, but Shedeur Sanders and the offense were unfazed.

Shedeur Sanders DART to Will Sheppard for a 47 yard TD 🎯@ShedeurSanders x @WillShep20

📺: @CFBONFOX pic.twitter.com/Kp7z5re6hV

— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) September 28, 2024

On their next possession, Sanders showcased his deep ball accuracy, hitting wide receiver Will Sheppard with a beautifully thrown 47-yard touchdown pass. The perfectly timed throw allowed Sheppard to break free for the score, giving Colorado a 14-7 lead with just 10 seconds remaining in the first quarter. The first quarter ended with 256 combined total yards of offense, setting the stage for an action-packed game. Colorado’s explosive offense was firing on all cylinders, while UCF proved they wouldn’t go down without a fight.