5 players who shined during Colorado's season opener matchup against NDSU

The Colorado Buffaloes picked up a big victory on Thursday night to open their season. While some may grumble at a mere 31-26 win over an FCS foe, it was against back-to-back national champion North Dakota State. While the Buffs may not have gained a ton of style points, there are kudos due to the stars who kept this one in the win column. Here are five Colorado players who stood out.

5 Colorado players who shined through during Week 1

Colorado's Jimmy Horn had a massive Week 1 in the Buffs' season-opening win. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

1.Shedeur Sanders, QB

Of course, Shedeur was in midseason form. Critics may note his red-zone interception, but it was a weird, fluky play on a pass properly thrown by Sanders. For the game, Sanders recorded 26-for-34 passing for 445 yards and four touchdowns. He was sacked only once which is a pleasant change after last season's 56 sacks.

2. Jimmy Horn, WR

Former South Florida standout Jimmy Horn had a massive opening game. A year ago, Horn caught 58 passes but for just 567 yards. The 5-foot-9 receiver helped his averages Thursday, with seven grabs for 198 yards and a touchdown. It was Horn's fifth career 100+ yard game and his new career best for yardage.

3. Travis Hunter, WR

No surprises here, as Hunter was typically everywhere on Thursday. He snagged seven passes for 132 yards and three scores including a mind-blowing short-corner catch which showed his NFL-in-training skills. This was Hunter's fourth 100-yard game and his first with three touchdowns. He also had three tackles on defense at cornerback.

4. Trevor Woods, S

Woods had a team-high 10 tackles and a tackle for loss on defense. He's one of the rare players who spans from Colorado's previous coaching staff. This was his fifth 10+ tackle game for the Buffs but the first one in which his team emerged with a victory. Woods and the other defenders will be key moving forward in Colorado's season.

5. LaJohntay Wester, WR

A transfer from Florida Atlantic where he caught 235 passes over the past three seasons, Wester had a quiet role on Thursday. He ended up with five receptions for 58 yards but with defenses loading up on Hunter and now fearing Horn, Wester is another key player. Colorado doesn't use a tight end much so his ability to work inside and convert first downs (he had three in his five grabs) is big.

Which Colorado players stood out to you in their Week 1 win? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!