Ward Leads Washington State To 56-14 Romp Over Colorado; Sanders Exits With Injury From CollegeFootball

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Experience the thrill as Ward leads Washington State to a triumphant 56-14 victory over Colorado! Sanders exits with injury, dashing Buffaloes’ bowl game dreams. Click for the game-changing highlights! 🔥 #CollegeFootball #Ward #ColoradoLoss #GameChanger

Ward’s Dominance: Washington State’s Resurgence Against Colorado

In a thrilling Friday night showdown, Cameron Ward led Washington State to a convincing 56-14 victory over Colorado, breaking a six-game losing streak. The Buffaloes, once darlings of college football, faced a harsh reality as their hopes of a bowl game in the inaugural year under Deion Sanders were shattered.

Ward leads Washington State to 56-14 romp over Colorado; Sanders exits with injury from CollegeFootball

The pivotal moment occurred in the second quarter when Colorado’s quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, exited the game after a significant hit during a botched snap. Sanders, though slow to get up, walked off the field on his own before being escorted to the locker room. His absence marked a turning point, with the junior managing 6 of 10 passes for 86 yards, including a notable 45-yard touchdown strike to Travis Hunter, before being sacked four times and leaving the game.

The Buffaloes, who started the season 3-0, faced a stark downturn, losing seven of their last eight games. Washington State’s victory, however, kept their bowl game aspirations alive. The Cougars, with a 5-6 record, now set their sights on a crucial matchup against rival Washington in the upcoming Apple Cup.

Brennan Jackson played a pivotal role in Washington State’s triumph, returning a pair of fumbles for touchdowns covering 48 and 78 yards, respectively. The Cougars’ defense showcased its strength by forcing three turnovers on a Colorado offense that had committed only seven all season.

Ron Stone Jr.’s strip-sack of Sanders early in the game set the tone for Washington State’s dominance, with Jackson swiftly turning it into a touchdown, putting the Cougars up 14-0. Despite Hunter’s 45-yard touchdown briefly narrowing the gap, Leighton Smithson’s 98-yard kickoff return stifled any Colorado momentum.

Cameron Ward, the standout of the night, threw for an impressive 288 yards and accounted for four touchdowns. His connection with Nakia Watson and consecutive rushing touchdowns gave the Cougars a commanding 42-7 lead at halftime. Ward continued his stellar performance with a 34-yard touchdown throw to Kyle Williams before Jackson’s second fumble return extended Washington State’s lead to 56-7.

In relief of Sanders, Ryan Staub and Gavin Kuld rotated possessions for Colorado but struggled, combining for just 79 passing yards and two turnovers. Hunter led the team with 82 receiving yards.

The takeaway from the game was significant for both teams. Washington State snapped its longest losing streak since 2013, showcasing a remarkable 42-point barrage in the first half. The Cougars’ defensive line, disruptive from the start with four sacks in the first quarter alone, played a crucial role in knocking out Sanders.

For Colorado, the loss marked the end of their postseason hopes, experiencing their largest defeat in the “Coach Prime” era. The Buffaloes’ struggles were evident, allowing an FBS-worst 54 sacks this season, with the Cougars’ pass rush proving too much to handle.

Looking ahead, Colorado faces a road challenge against No. 22 Utah on Nov. 25, while both teams are set to join the Big 12 Conference next season. Washington State concludes the regular season with a matchup against No. 5 Washington in what may be the final Apple Cup, as the Huskies move to the Big Ten Conference next season.

In conclusion, the game between Washington State and Colorado showcased the resilience of the Cougars and the challenges faced by the Buffaloes. Ward’s exceptional performance, coupled with the defensive prowess of the Cougars, highlighted the unpredictable nature of college football.