UPDATE: The Colorado Buffaloes faced a tough loss in their season finale against the Kansas State Wildcats, falling 24-14 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium on November 25, 2023. Despite being 17.5-point underdogs, the Buffs fought valiantly but ultimately ended their season with a disappointing 3-9 record.
The Buffaloes, under head coach Deion Sanders, struggled throughout the season, closing with a five-game losing streak. Kansas State improved their record to 6-6, securing bowl eligibility with this victory.
Kansas State’s standout running back Joe Jackson was a force to be reckoned with, amassing 142 yards and scoring three touchdowns on 25 carries. His performance included a critical 60 yards during the Wildcats’ final drive, which sealed the game.
The game started with Kansas State demonstrating their dominance through a methodical 13-play, 74-yard drive, consuming 7 minutes and 40 seconds off the clock. Jackson capped the drive with a 4-yard touchdown, putting the Wildcats on the board first.
Colorado responded with tenacity, reaching the K-State 21-yard line, but a blocked field goal attempt by Alejandro Mata halted their momentum. The Buffs’ defense then stepped up, forcing two three-and-outs and a critical fourth-down stop near midfield.
As the first half progressed, the Buffaloes found their rhythm. A drive highlighted by impressive runs from Hayden and a 38-yard pass from quarterback Kaidon Salter to receiver Omarion Miller set up a game-tying touchdown by Micah Welch just before halftime, making it 7-7.
However, the second half saw Kansas State take control again. A series of big passes from quarterback Avery Johnson led to another touchdown by Jackson, bringing the score to 14-7 with 4:32 left in the third quarter.
Despite trailing, the Buffs rallied. Salter orchestrated a 75-yard drive, with Welch scoring his second touchdown to narrow the gap to 17-14 with just over seven minutes remaining.
But Kansas State wasn’t finished. They executed a game-sealing nine-play, 75-yard drive, culminating in a 17-yard touchdown by Jackson with only 2:37 left on the clock, pushing the final score to 24-14.
The Buffaloes’ season concludes with significant lessons learned, and eyes will now turn to the offseason as they look to rebuild and improve for next year.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching how the team responds to this tough season and what strategies they will employ moving forward. The urgency for improvement is palpable as the Buffs begin to prepare for next year’s challenges.
