Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes faced a setback in their push for the College Football Playoff, suffering a 37-21 loss to Kansas on Saturday. The defeat significantly undermined Colorado’s hopes for a Big 12 Conference championship game appearance and a shot at the 12-team College Football Playoff.
During the game, which took place at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City in front of 56,470 fans, Colorado found itself in a challenging position early on, trailing 17-0 in the second quarter. Kansas effectively controlled the game, scoring on their first seven possessions with standout performance from running back Devin Neal, who tallied 207 rushing yards and four touchdowns. This victory marked a historic achievement for Kansas as it became the first team with a losing record to defeat three consecutive ranked opponents.
Despite the loss, Colorado’s Travis Hunter showcased his talent with eight catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns, keeping the hope for individual accolades alive, including the Heisman Trophy.
As the Buffaloes, now with an 8-3 record, prepare for their next game against Oklahoma State, there are still possibilities for them in the Big 12 race. Tied for a lead in the conference, Colorado will need to secure a victory in their regular-season finale and may require favorable outcomes from others to maintain hopes for the title game. The potential for a complicated tiebreaker scenario hovers due to their unplayed matchups against other contenders.
This loss poses challenges for Colorado’s playoff aspirations as well. Achieving a higher ranking amidst fierce competition from other conference champions could be difficult, especially with the need for a win at the Big 12 championship to have a shot at the playoff.
On a hopeful note, the season isn’t over for Colorado. They still have an opportunity in their upcoming game against Oklahoma State. A strong finish could restore their trajectory towards the playoffs, and the return of key players like Hunter can bolster their offensive strategy moving forward. The resilience displayed in their previous matches provides a foundation upon which they can build, as the Buffaloes continue to pursue their goals in the remaining games of the season.
In summary, while the setback against Kansas complicates the road ahead for Colorado, they still have the chance to rebound and make a mark in the final stretch of the season. The team’s spirit and determination will be vital as they look to finish the season strong.