1 week Ago
Colorado's decisive win over Utah on Saturday did not come without some controversy as Buffaloes star Travis Hunter drew a mind-boggling taunting penalty in the 49-24 win in Boulder. Deion Sanders and Colorado entered the matchup with a massive amount of weight on their shoulders. A loss could have squashed the Buffaloes' chances at making the Big 12 Championship Game and College Football Playoff altogether.
Hunter, a Heisman Trophy contender, put on a stellar performance on both sides of the ball against the Utes. The junior rushed for a touchdown and racked up 55 yards receiving on five catches while adding three tackles, a pass breakup and a spectacular interception. The officiating crew, however, took exception to Hunter's post-interception celebration which included a Heisman pose.
Hit it Trav 🔥 #HE12MAN x @TravisHunterJr pic.twitter.com/zsvsdeaMoo Hunter is one of, if not the top, player in the Heisman race as the regular season comes to an end.
According to FanDuel , Hunter is the odds on favorite (-240) to win the award. College football fans seemingly took no issue with his celebration, yet their response to the unsportsmanlike penalty were not positive. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images "Big 12 officials want to eject Travis hunter, " one fan wrote .
"Not sure how that’s unsportsmanlike unless there was a taunt not shown." "Unbelievable call, refs need to get their eyes checked," another responded . Hunter isn't one to keep his emotions tucked away after making a big play.
However, his play-making ability is perhaps the most consistent in the nation, and fans appear to be just fine with Hunter showing off when he has a Heisman moment. "Travis Hunter get's hit with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after he hits the Heisman pose following his interception," a Colorado fan responded . "C'mon, Man!" Others are questioning how striking the Heisman pose, a regular routine in the sport, can be a penalty in the first place.
"Wait they gave Travis Hunter an unsportsmanlike penalty for doing the Heisman pose?!?!?," another wrote . "Travis Hunter. How is striking the Heisman pose a flag? Ridiculous," one responded .
Colorado moved to 8-2 after the big conference win on Saturday. The Buffaloes control their destiny in the Big 12 with matchups remaining against Kansas (3-6) and Oklahoma State (3-7). A win in the conference title game would give Colorado an automatic bid to its first College Football Playoff in program history.
Related: Travis Hunter Compared to NFL Legend by Mel Kiper.
