When the Big 12 schedule was released, there were certainly matchups that were circled as must-see TV.
Colorado’s trip to Arizona this Saturday may not be the biggest game on the ledger, but a matchup within the matchup could be worth the price of admission.
When the Buffs (4-2, 2-1 Big 12) face the Wildcats (3-3, 1-2) in Tucson, Ariz. (2 p.m. MDT, Fox), there could be an epic battle between two of the best players in the country.
Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan is one of the nation’s best receivers and there will be times he’ll be covered by CU’s Travis Hunter, who is one of the nation’s best cornerbacks (as well as one of the best receivers).
“Two outstanding players going to head-to-head, who wouldn’t be excited about that?” Arizona head coach Brent Brennan said to local media on Thursday. “In the flow of the game, I’m really not thinking that way. I’m thinking a little more big picture of what’s happening. But, for everybody that’s coming to the game, that’s exciting.”
On Nov. 11, 2023, when CU lost to the Wildcats 34-31 at Folsom Field, Hunter squared off against McMillan on several plays. According to Pro Football Focus, McMillan was targeted five times while being covered by Hunter, catching only three passes for 15 yards, but he hauled in a 2-yard touchdown. That tied the game at 24-24 early in the third quarter.
Both are now more experienced and improved players and when they line up against each other, all eyes will be on them.
Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kansas State Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
A 6-foot-5, 212-pound junior, McMillan is third nationally in receiving yards per game (123.7), hauling in 42 passes for 742 yards and four touchdowns. He is widely projected a first-round choice in the 2025 NFL Draft.
“We don’t want to give away the game plan, but we’re going to try our best,” CU head coach Deion Sanders said of trying to slow down McMillan. “I mean, a lot of people tried their best, but the kid is phenomenal. He’s exceptional. That’s why he’s one of the best in the country. And there’s a quarterback (Arizona’s Noah Fifita) that’s one of his best friends that’s going to find a way to get him that ball. It’s kind of like what Shedeur (Sanders) and Travis does.
“It’s going to be a task, man, but I’m pretty sure our guys will be up for it. The kid is exceptional.”
While McMillan is an unquestioned star at receiver, Hunter is one of the leading candidates for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is presented annually to the best defensive back in the country. The 6-1, 185-pouind Hunter has 18 tackles, two interceptions and three pass breakups this season and is projected as a top-five pick in the NFL Draft.
According to PFF, receivers have been targeted only 20 times this season when covered by Hunter and he’s allowed just 14 catches for 111 yards and no touchdowns.
McMillan will be the toughest challenge for Hunter and the rest of the Buffs’ defensive backs, but the mindset won’t change.
A Pro Football Hall of Famer who is arguably the best cornerback in football history, Coach Prime said he never got extra motivation going against the best of the best, such as Jerry Rice. Hunter has a similar mindset.
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“That was my life,” Coach Prime said. “I didn’t have to get amped up; that was my life. That was my life. You don’t get amped up when that’s your life. It’s like saying you get amped up to get in the car. I’m going to do that anyway to come to work. That’s my life.”
It will be nothing new for Hunter, either, but there’s no question winning the battles with McMillan and the Wildcats’ other receivers, including former Buffs standout Montana Lemonious-Craig, will be a key to victory.
Along with Hunter, DJ McKinney, Preston Hodge and Colton Hood will be counted on to lockdown the Arizona receivers.
“We just need to trust our technique and just be who we are,” Hood said. “We’ve got the guys to cover them, I believe. So if we just trust our technique and be who we are, we’ll shut them down.”
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