Colorado’s aspirations for a Big 12 championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff took a significant blow on Saturday with a 37-21 loss to Kansas at Arrowhead Stadium. The No. 18 Buffaloes, now holding an 8-3 record (6-2 in Big 12), faced a challenging game against a determined Jayhawks team that outperformed them in multiple facets of the game.
Kansas, currently standing at 5-6 (4-4 in Big 12), showcased a potent offensive display, racking up 520 total yards. Running back Devin Neal had a standout performance, amassing 207 rushing yards and scoring three touchdowns on 37 carries, in addition to registering four catches for 80 yards and another touchdown.
The Buffaloes’ defense struggled to contain the Jayhawks, who controlled the game with a significant time of possession advantage: they held the ball for over 40 minutes compared to Colorado’s just under 20. This strategy effectively limited the opportunities for Colorado’s high-powered offense.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders had a commendable outing, completing 23 of 29 passes for 266 yards and three touchdowns. The Buffaloes’ star, Heisman candidate Travis Hunter, was a key target, catching eight passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns, although their offense could not capitalize enough due to limited opportunities.
The game was characterized by Kansas’s efficient play and ability to exploit Colorado’s defensive weaknesses. Despite the setback, there were moments of resilience from the Buffaloes, including critical touchdowns in the second quarter that temporarily narrowed the gap.
Kansas’s victory extends their winning streak against ranked teams and serves as a wake-up call for Colorado as they prepare for their subsequent matches. The Buffaloes’ ability to regroup and learn from this experience will be essential in maintaining competitiveness in the upcoming challenges.
Looking ahead, Colorado has an opportunity to bounce back from this setback and strengthen their resolve as they aim for a strong finish to the season. With a talented roster and a passionate coaching staff, they can harness this experience to build momentum in their final games.