There were a few nervous moments on Saturday, but they didn’t last long.

No. 18-ranked Colorado pulled away from Utah late to rout the Utes, 49-24, in front of one of the largest crowds in Folsom Field history.

A crowd of 54,646 — the fourth-biggest in CU’s history — watched Shedeur Sanders throw for 340 yards and three touchdowns, LaJohntay Wester score on a punt return and Travis Hunter score on a reverse.

The Buffs (8-2, 6-1 Big 12) remained on track to reach the conference title game by snapping a seven-game losing streak against Utah (4-6, 1-6).

CU’s defense harassed Utah quarterback Isaac Wilson all day. Wilson threw two touchdowns but was intercepted three times and sacked four times.

A recap of the Buffs’ win against the Utes:

First quarter

CU had a less-than-ideal start when Shedeur Sanders threw an interception to Utah’s Lander Barton on the first play of the game. The Buffs’ defense held up, though, and limited the Utes to a 32-yard field goal from Cole Becker. On the ensuing possession, the Buffs took the lead when Sanders hit Will Sheppard for a 40-yard touchdown pass. Utah went three-and-out on its next possession, and the Buffs’ LaJohntay Wester fielded the punt and raced 76 yards untouched for another touchdown. The teams traded punts before CU’s Travis Hunter picked off Utah’s Isaac Wilson just before the end of the quarter. Score: Colorado 14, Utah 3.

Second quarter

The Buffs were unable to convert a score after the Hunter interception. In fact, the offense struggled most of the quarter against the highly touted Utah defense. CU had two punts and Sanders lost a fumble. Utah didn’t generate any offense, either, but did take advantage of the ideal field position after the Sanders fumble. Becker drilled a 34-yard field goal to pull Utah within 14-6. A series of quick, short passes helped CU march down the field on its next possession, and Sanders capped the drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Sheppard with 49 seconds to go in the half. Before the end of the half, Becker hit a 47-yard field goal for Utah. Score: Colorado 21, Utah 9.

Third quarter

Utah took the kickoff to start the second half and quickly gave the ball back to CU. On the fifth play of the half, Isaac Wilson was intercepted by Nikhai Hill-Green, who returned it to the Utah 37-yard line. On the next play, the Buffs’ Isaiah Augustave raced up the middle of the field for a 37-yard touchdown run, CU’s longest TD run in six years. Utah punted on its next possession and pinned the Buffs at the 8-yard line. After going three-and-out, CU punted and Utah took over in great field position at the Buffs’ 40. On the next play, Wilson connected with Dorian Singer for a 40-yard touchdown. The teams traded punts again before the end of the quarter. Score: Colorado 28, Utah 16.

Fourth quarter

On the third play of the fourth quarter, CU regained some more breathing room when Sanders found Drelon Miller for a 47-yard touchdown pass. Miller broke a tackle at the 10-yard line to get into the end zone. Utah, however, didn’t flinch and responded with a 75-yard touchdown drive of its own. Wilson found Caleb Lohner for a 3-yard score and then connected with tackle Spencer Fano for a two-point conversion. Wilson was 7-for-7 on the drive. On its next possession, CU was on the move but Sheppard fumbled after a catch and Utah recovered. Just four plays later, though, the Buffs’ DJ McKinney intercepted Wilson. That set up another scoring drive for the Buffs. That one was capped by Charlie Offerdahl getting a 4-yard touchdown run. CU safety Shilo Sanders sacked Isaac Wilson on the next drive, causing a fumble. Two plays later, the Buffs’ Travis Hunter scored a 5-yard run on a reverse. Final score: Colorado 49, Utah 24.