Colorado Buffaloes shine in NFL week 8

It was a good weekend if you’re a fan of the Colorado Buffaloes. Saturday, in front of a 47,000-plus fans packed into Folsom Field, Colorado defeated California 44-28 to improve to 5-4, one win shy of becoming bowl eligible. Sunday, a pair of former Buffs made big statements for their respective NFL teams.

PAUL RICHARDSON, WR, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

The fourth-year wideout hauled in six Russell Wilson passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns - he had a third TD called back because of a penalty by Thomas Rawls - in the Seahawks thrilling 41-38 win over the Houston Texans. Through seven games this season, Richardson has 22 catches for 374 yards and leads all Seattle wide receivers with five touchdowns.

AHKELLO WITHERSPOON, CB, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

A third-round draft pick in April, Witherspoon made his first career start Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles and did not disappoint. Starting in place of cornerback Rashard Robinson, the former member of Colorado’s #MoneyGang secondary intercepted a Carson Wentz pass in the third quarter which led to the 49ers only touchdown of the game. “To play with the level of confidence that I did and to have fun, I’m excited to build on it,” Witherspoon told The Mercury News after the game. The rookie defensive back learned Monday that he would be starting.

JIMMY SMITH, CB, BALTIMORE RAVENS

Thursday night it was another former Buffs lockdown corner making noise. Smith intercepted a Matt Moore pass in the 4^th quarter and took it 50-yards to the house in the Ravens 40-0 win over the Miami Dolphins. In eight games, the seven-year NFL veteran has 21 total tackles, deflected seven passes and recorded two interceptions, both of which he returned for touchdowns. This former Super Bowl champion (won SB XLVII with the Ravens) should be a shoo-in for the pro bowl this season.