Travis Hunter showcased his talent with a Heisman pose after catching his second touchdown in a game where Colorado faced off against Kansas. The Jayhawks achieved a significant 37-21 victory over No. 16 Colorado, marking a setback for the Buffaloes in their pursuit of the Big 12 title.
Devin Neal was a standout player for Kansas, rushing for 207 yards and scoring three touchdowns, along with four receptions for 80 yards and another touchdown. Jalon Daniels contributed 189 yards passing and a touchdown, helping Kansas (5-6, 4-4) score on every offensive drive except for their final one, which kept Colorado’s stars Shedeur Sanders and Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter on the sidelines for much of the game.
Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders expressed disappointment, noting, “We controlled our own destiny, and we fumbled it.” Now, Colorado (8-3, 6-2 Big 12, No. 16 CFP) must secure a win against Oklahoma State next week and rely on external help to reach the title game, aiming for a guaranteed spot in the College Football Playoff.
Shedeur Sanders finished the day with 266 passing yards and three touchdowns, setting a Colorado single-season record with 30 touchdown passes. Hunter further solidified his Heisman credentials with eight receptions for 125 yards and two scores, even though he struggled on defense, reflecting the overall performance issues for the Buffaloes. Kansas dominated the game, holding the ball for over 40 minutes and accumulating 520 total yards of offense.
Kansas coach Lance Leipold noted the turnaround of his team, stating, “They owned it, they kept working, they stuck together and you can see the results of that.” The Jayhawks, once struggling, have found new confidence through recent victories.
Neal echoed this sentiment, emphasizing a newfound motivation among players: “Eventually we were just tired of losing — tired of losing the close ones.”
From the game’s onset, Kansas established control by scoring quickly, and they maintained their lead throughout. Although Colorado rallied briefly, Kansas responded decisively, including a game-sealing touchdown that capped an impressive drive.
In terms of takeaways, Colorado will need to address their defensive shortcomings, which failed to contain the Kansas offense effectively. The Buffaloes were outmatched in several crucial moments, from penalties to a lack of offensive continuity.
On the bright side, Kansas is pushing for an inspiring finish to the season, looking to achieve their first bowl game invitation in three consecutive years if they defeat Baylor in their upcoming match.
As for Colorado, their next challenge against Oklahoma State will be pivotal as they strive to keep their title hopes alive.
With the season winding down, both teams face crucial matchups ahead, setting the stage for an exciting finish.