Sealing the deal: Utah made things interesting by cutting the CU lead to 35-24 and then recovering a fumble near midfield with seven minutes to play. Moments later, though, CU’s DJ McKinney intercepted Utah’s Isaac Wilson. Five plays later, Charlie Offerdahl scored on a 4-yard touchdown run to put the game away.

Turning point: CU never really felt threatened, but Utah did have a solid start. Once the Buffs’ LaJohntay Wester returned a punt 76 yards for a touchdown with 5:49 to play in the first quarter, though, the game was never really in doubt. That gave CU a 14-3 lead, and the Buffs never looked back.

Quotable: “It’s pretty special,” said running back Charlie Offerdahl of CU sitting at 8-2. “That 1-11 season (in 2022) was very rough. All I can say is that the Buffs are back.”

BuffZone game balls

Offense: WR Drelon Miller. The freshman had the best game of his young career, with six catches for 108 yards and a touchdown.

Defense: S Shilo Sanders. CU’s senior safety, who has had an up-and-down year, was exceptional, especially in the second half. He posted five tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack, which forced a fumble late in the game.

Special teams: PR LaJohntay Wester. In addition to 10 catches for 77 yards on offense, he had a 76-yard punt return for a touchdown.