Shedeur Sanders showcased pinpoint accuracy as he kicked off Week 8 of the college football season, completing his first 10 passes for Colorado against Cincinnati.

Sanders’ impressive start included two touchdowns in the first half, which saw the Buffaloes build early momentum as they aim to earn their first bowl game win since 2004. Sanders got off to a strong start for Colorado on the third play of their first drive, rushing for two yards before completing his first pass: a 12-yard connection with LaJohntay Wester for a first down. Sanders quickly established his trademark “Brady Mode” rhythm, finding three different receivers on the drive and capping it with a two-yard touchdown pass to Heisman candidate Travis Hunter, giving Colorado an early lead.

Cincinnati answered with a touchdown to tie the game, but Sanders produced a flawless 12-play drive, going a perfect 5 for 5 through the air before taking it himself on a 4-yard run to put the Buffaloes back on top. The Bearcats responded again with another touchdown, but Sanders continued to shine, completing five more passes on the next drive.

While his first two incompletions of the night came near the drive’s end, Colorado still came away with a field goal. Following a turnover on downs forced by the Buffaloes defense, Sanders struck again, connecting with Hunter on a 34-yard touchdown pass, giving Colorado a 24-14 lead heading into halftime. Sanders’ efficiency and playmaking ability fueled the Buffaloes’ first-half dominance. He showcased his poise and precision to keep their bowl game aspirations alive.

His father and head coach, Deion Sanders has been the QB’s greatest supporter. He said that besides a mishap throw in Week 2’s 28-10 loss against Nebraska, his son has been nearly flawless and a trusted playmaker who gives Colorado a great chance of winning close games.

“He’s been consistently Shedeur, except for one pass,” Coach Prime admitted. “The thing about him [is that] everyone in here knows when the ball [is] in his hands, and we got a chance. Everybody here knows that, right? Except for a couple of haters. You know that. But I’m not directing that at anybody. That’s just how I talk.”

Shedeur Sanders runs for a score

Shedeur Sanders is projected as a top NFL Draft pick ( 

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Sanders has positioned himself as one of college football’s top quarterbacks, currently ranked seventh in the nation with over 2,268 passing yards and tied for sixth with 19 passing touchdowns. NFL mock draft projections suggest he could be selected among the top five picks, with his teammate Hunter presumed to be the top overall pick.

Teams like the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tennessee Titans are all struggling this season with two wins or fewer and facing uncertainty at quarterback. They are all viewed as potential landing spots for the Colorado standout, linked to each franchise through reputable mock drafts online.

The Browns saw a season-ending injury to starting quarterback Deshaun Watson, who underwent successful surgery for a ruptured ACL following a hard hit in Week 7 against the Bengals. The injury sparked mixed reactions among fans, some of whom have been critical of Watson since his controversial signing. The team’s depth now features Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Bailey Zappe.

The Raiders also face quarterback struggles, with Gardner Minshew and Desmond Ridder ranking among the league’s least-productive passers. After losing Aidan O’Connell to injured reserve with a thumb injury, the Raiders’ passing attack has struggled to gain traction, amplifying their need for a reliable quarterback solution.

Tennessee’s challenges include Will Levis’ struggles, accumulating just 699 passing yards for the season and posting a disappointing 27.7 QBR, which is one of the lowest in the league. This performance has put the Titans in a desperate search for a franchise quarterback, with Sanders projected to turn the team around.