Oregon prepared to face ‘aggressive’ Colorado defense that will be without star Travis Hunter

No defense in the nation has generated more turnovers than the No. 19 Colorado Buffaloes.

The Buffs are tied for the FBS lead with 10 forced turnovers — six interceptions and four fumble recoveries — and have proven to be a disruptive unit under first-year defensive coordinator Charles Kelly.

However, Colorado will face its toughest challenge yet when it travels to Eugene this Saturday to face an Oregon offense that is the second-best in the country in terms of scoring offense. The Buffs will do so without their top defensive playmaker — star cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter. The versatile sophomore has been ruled out after suffering a lacerated liver against Colorado State in Week 3.

Still, the cupboard is far from bare for a Colorado defense that loaded up on transfer portal talent during the offseason.

“Obviously, he’s a really good player. One of the best in the country at what he does,” Oregon quarterback Bo Nix said of Hunter. “He plays a lot of snaps. he plays very fast and physical. So, losing a player like that on a defense is tough. But they’re going to do a really good job on the back end. They’ve done a really good job everywhere else throughout the season. So, I don’t anticipate it being much different.

“Maybe some of the coverages will change slightly. … We’ve just gotta see what they’re gonna do during the game.”

While speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Sanders acknowledged the challenge the Buffs will face with Hunter sidelined.

“There’s no one in the country that can fill Travis Hunter’s shoes,” Sanders said. “He’s a unique player. He’s the best player on offense and he’s the best player on defense — in the country, not just on this team.”

Sanders said the Buffs will take a “corner by committee” approach as they look to contain Oregon receivers Troy Franklin, Tez Johnson, and Gary Bryant Jr.

“We’re going to see who steps up and takes over that role,” Sanders said. “We’re looking for the next man up. We’re looking for someone to step up and take control of this. Travis Jay had a great practice today. He’s still got a little limp, slightly. He competed his butt off today. We have talent — we’ve just got to get the talent to be talent and do what they’re capable of doing.”

Colorado also features true freshman Cormani McClain — a 5-star prospect who was the No. 1 cornerback in the nation in the 2023 class. But Sanders said McClain is not ready for that type of role at this point.

Oregon will also have to be cognizant of senior safety Shilo Sanders, who earned Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week honors on Monday after returning an interception 80 yards for a touchdown against Colorado State.

A former standout at South Carolina, Sanders is a steady tackler who lines up all over the secondary for the Buffs.

“He’s always in the right spot,” Nix said of Sanders.

Oregon will likely have a significant advantage in the trenches against a Colorado defense that ranks 119th nationally in rush defense at 195.3 yards per game.

“Coach Kelly does a great job,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said Monday. “We’re kind of cut from the same tree as far as philosophy and how he operates. I think they’re playing well within their scheme. They understand their strengths, their weaknesses. They understand how to utilize their players, and I think that shows up throughout the film for them.”

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