Travis Hunter was penalized for hitting Heisman after interception

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Colorado football two-way superstar Travis Hunter continues to boost both his NFL Draft and Heisman Trophy stock.

The junior had his third interception of the season with the Buffaloes leading Utah 14-3 near the end of the first quarter in Saturday’s matchup at Folsom Field in Boulder. Hunter picked off a pass from Utah quarterback Isaac Wilson that sophomore cornerback Colton Hood deflected in the air.

Hunter hit the Heisman post after the interception, which was his third of the season and the eighth of his collegiate career. Hunter, who entered the day as the Heisman Trophy favorite, was penalized for the celebration, although it is a very popular celebration that was first hit by Michigan’s Desmond Howard on Nov. 23, 1991.

Coach Deion Sanders and Hunter have along with quarterback Shedeur Sanders No. 20 Buffaloes (7-2, 5-1 Big 12) positioned as a Big 12 Conference championship contender and a 12-team College Football Playoff contender.

Entering Saturday’s game, Hunter had 69 receptions for 856 yards and nine touchdowns, along with 21 total tackles with two interceptions, seven pass breakups and a forced fumble. His 1,044 total snaps (519 offensive, 525 defensive, 21 special teams) topped Texas Tech offensive tackle Caleb Rogers (793) by more than 250.

As of Friday, Hunter is the betting favorite to win the 2024 Heisman Trophy, per BetMGM to +100 odds.