No. 25 Colorado will look to sustain its College Football Playoff aspirations as they host Oklahoma State on Black Friday. The Buffaloes’ hopes are on shaky ground after their recent 37-21 defeat to Kansas, where they struggled defensively, giving up 331 rushing yards and three touchdowns, resulting in an 8-3 record.
Oklahoma State, a team that was once considered a contender in the league, is facing one of its most challenging seasons under Coach Mike Gundy. The Cowboys have already missed bowl eligibility for the first time since 2005 and are in danger of finishing the season winless in conference play for the first time since 1994.
These two teams have only met once since Colorado departed from the Big 12, with the Cowboys dominating the 2016 Alamo Bowl, winning 38-8, a game that featured standout performances from both sides.
Fans can catch the Colorado vs. Oklahoma State matchup on Friday, November 29, at 12 p.m. ET, at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado, broadcasted on ABC and available for streaming on fuboTV.
Key players to watch include Colorado’s Travis Hunter, a Heisman candidate who has showcased exceptional talent throughout the season, accumulating over 80 catches, 1,000 yards, and 12 all-purpose touchdowns. His standout performance against Oklahoma State could solidify his status in the Heisman race, where he aims to become the first defender to win the award since 1997.
On the other hand, Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon II, initially viewed as a top player in the Big 12, has seen a dramatic decline in production as the Cowboys have struggled offensively. Despite promising moments from freshman quarterback Maealiuaki Smith in his debut, there is a pressing need for the team to find a way to capitalize on their offensive capabilities.
As for the Big 12 title scenarios, Colorado’s path has become intricate following their loss to Kansas. They still have a chance to reach the title game, depending on the outcomes of other matches. However, their immediate focus will be on defeating Oklahoma State to keep those hopes alive.
In this matchup, Colorado possesses one of the highest-scoring offenses in the Big 12, while Oklahoma State’s defense has faced significant challenges. The game is set to be a critical one for OSU as they aim to salvage their season, but Colorado’s offensive prowess makes them the favorites to prevail.
As the season comes to a climax, this game represents not just individual matchups or season performance, but also the resilience and determination of the teams involved, especially for the Buffaloes as they eye a potential playoff berth.
This showdown promises to be an exciting display of college football, with chances for both teams to showcase their strengths, and it will be interesting to see if Colorado can secure a victory to enhance their playoff hopes.