Colorado star to miss Arizona State game

TEMPE, Ariz. — In just three weeks Arizona State football will invite the spectacle of Colorado football to Tempe. The Buffaloes, led by Deion Sanders or “Coach Prime”, are expected to be without one of their best players, Travis Hunter.

Travis Hunter of Colorado to be out against Arizona State

Travis Hunter has been a star on both sides of the ball for Colorado this season. He suffered an injury against Colorado State while running a deep passing route, as he was hit late by safety Henry Blackburn. Hunter was diagnosed with a lacerated liver and is expected to miss at least four weeks according to Skip Bayless.

Here’s the hit.

https://x.com/Ben_Cary_/status/1703791381754663323?s=20

Hunter, a transfer from Jackson State University, was off to a terrific start to the 2023 season. Offensively in about two and a half games played he hauled in sixteen receptions for 213 yards. He’s had multiple jaw-dropping plays where he’s caught the ball in space and just danced around defenders.

What’s even more impressive is his play on defense. Already this season he has nine total tackles, two pass deflections, and one of the best interceptions you’ll see at the college level.

Hunter jumps the route and lays out for the interception. That’s not a play many guys can make.

What does this mean for Arizona State?

Colorado is having a successful season so far, and they’ve been the talk of the sports world. Every game they play this season is a big game. Celebrities and media outlets flock to cover the Buffalo, I mean I can’t remember the last time I saw “60 Minutes” covering a college football game.

Whether you like it, or hate it, there’s a lot of attention on Sanders’ team in Boulder right now. That also means a lot of eyes will be on Colorado’s matchup with Arizona State.

I expect the hype of Colorado to attract one of the biggest crowds of the season. A win against the currently ranked team would be huge for morale in Tempe.

Hunter being out certainly makes that easier. He’s arguably the most impactful player on their roster considering his value both defensively and offensively. Arizona State should have more success throwing the ball, as Colorado’s best member of the secondary will be out. Hunter is also one of the top receiving threats for Colorado, so defending Sanders’ offense just became a little easier for Brian Ward and the Sun Devil defense.

Colorado is currently ranked No. 18 in the country and has games against No. 10 Oregon and No. 5 USC before they travel to Tempe. Arizona State welcomes No. 5 USC to Mountain America Stadium and then plays at California.

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