Deion Sanders’ ambitions for the College Football Playoff took a significant hit as his Colorado Buffaloes fell to Kansas with a score of 37-21 on Saturday. The loss dented Colorado’s chances of securing a spot in the Big 12 Championship and consequently, a place in the 12-team playoff.
The Buffaloes (8-3) quickly found themselves in a challenging position, trailing 17-0 by the second quarter and unable to recover in front of a crowd of 56,470 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Kansas controlled the game, dominating time of possession and scoring on all seven of their initial drives, thanks to standout performances from running back Devin Neal, who ran for 207 yards and caught four passes for another 80 yards.
Despite the defeat, Colorado’s Travis Hunter impressed with eight receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns, sustaining his Heisman Trophy aspirations. However, the loss complicates the Buffaloes’ title hopes, as they entered the game ranked 16th in the playoff standings and shared the lead in the Big 12 with BYU.
With BYU also suffering a setback against Arizona State, multiple teams are now tied for first in conference standings, which may lead to a complicated tiebreaker situation since Colorado hasn’t played any of the rivals tied with them. Their upcoming game against Oklahoma State will be crucial as they attempt to solidify their position.
Though the Buffaloes took a significant blow to their aspirations, it is important to recognize that they still have an opportunity to bounce back. If they can secure a win against Oklahoma State and potentially advance to the Big 12 Championship, their playoff chances could remain alive. The season isn’t over yet, and a strong finish might still set Colorado up for a hopeful postseason run.
The narrative of the season thus far continues to highlight the resilience and talent within the Buffaloes’ roster, and while this loss stings, it offers a learning opportunity as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. The Buffaloes have an opportunity to refocus and rally together for the remaining games, proving their mettle in a tough season.