Sealing the deal: Late in the third quarter, UCF pulled within 34-21 on a quick and impressive 92-yard drive. Just six plays later, though, the Buffs scored again, on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Shedeur Sanders to LaJohntay Wester. That bumped the Buffs’ lead back to 20 points going into the fourth quarter.

Turning point: CU got on the board first, but UCF quickly answered with a 75-yard touchdown in the first quarter to tie the game. The Buffs weren’t bothered, though, and scored on their next two possessions to take a 21-7 lead. Weathering the early adversity and taking a big lead in the first half set the tone.

Quotable: “It’s one of the first times we came out and played a collective game, offensively, defensively and special teams. … We played a tremendous team and I’m proud of what transpired today.” — Head coach Deion Sanders

BuffZone game balls

Offense: RBs Isaiah Augustave, Dallan Hayden and Micah Welch. None of the trio put up big numbers individually, but as a group they collected 98 yards on 20 carries and two touchdowns.

Defense: LB Nikhai Hill-Green. He had a team-high nine tackles, two tackles for loss and a huge sack on a fourth-down play that capped a goal-line stand in the second half.

Special teams: PK Alejandro Mata. He came through in the clutch late in the first half, drilling field goals of 36 and 46 yards in the last 42 seconds of the half. He was also perfect on extra points.