BOULDER, Colo. — The play is called “Heisman" because, ideally, it involves Colorado's two Heisman hopefuls. There was two-way standout Travis Hunter taking a pitch on a reverse in the fourth quarter Saturday and quarterback Shedeur Sanders sprinting out for a pass. Hunter looked in his direction.

If Colorado simply handles its business the rest of the way and beats three teams, Utah, Kansas and Oklahoma State (with a combined record of 10-18), the Buffaloes will have a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game and a chance to play their way into the College Football Playoff, completing an incredible turnaround from last year’s four-win season.