Shedeur Sanders breaks Colorado’s single-season record

BOULDER, Colo. — Shedeur Sanders woke up early Friday, won a national award and then set Colorado’s 23rd all-time single-season passing record.

The senior quarterback, who was named the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award winner before the game against Oklahoma State, needed 40 yards to surpass Koy Detmer’s 28-year-old record of 3,527 yards.

Sanders accomplished this goal by hitting LaJohntay Wester for a 10-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. Sanders finished the regular season with 438 yards rushing in a 52-0 win and finished the regular season with 3,926 yards. Sanders also added five TD passes against the Cowboys to increase his total to a school-best 35 of the season.

Detmer’s yards passing mark came in 1996 when Rick Neuheisel coached the Buffs, who went 10-2 and finished the season ranked No. 8 in the AP Top 25.

For Sanders, the Unitas Award, which goes to the best quarterback in the country, could be the first of many.

Meanwhile, two-way standout Travis Hunter is the clear favorite to win the Heisman. He had 10 catches for 116 yards and three touchdowns and one interception.

Shedeur and safety Shilo Sanders were among 21 players honored on Senior Day. The brothers were accompanied to midfield by their coach/father Deion.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.