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The Buffs almost pulled it off...
Saturday night at Folsom Field was less than ideal. The Buffs lost 31-28 to the 18th-ranked Kansas State Wildcats, and got dinged up in the process. Four of Colorado’s top seven wide receivers left due to injury, including Heisman frontrunner Travis Hunter and perpetual slot threat Jimmy Horn. Despite the poor hand they were dealt by their injury luck, Colorado still managed to put up one hell of a fight, proving they’re more than just their superstars.
1st Quarter:
Early on in this ballgame, the Buffaloes were able to build momentum despite a three-and-out on their first drive. They picked up a defensive stop and started their second drive at midfield. CU’s second drive of the game had a balance of run and pass, which ended in a 25-yard touchdown by LaJohntay Wester. Wester snuck out of the backfield and found open grass on the way to the end zone Wester, with a little help from a block from Travis Hunter, as dodged two defenders inside the five and found paydirt.
Unfortunately for Colorado, Kansas State was able to put together a long drive, and eventually punch the ball in the end zone. Kansas State’s rushing attack found minimal resistance, marching down the field with their pair of running backs, DJ Giddens and Dylan Edwards. Headed into the second quarter, the Buffs and Cats were all tied up at 7-7.
2nd Quarter:
It became clear in the second quarter that Colorado might have a DJ Giddens problem. Giddens found yards in chunks throughout the second quarter, finishing the first half with 127 yards on the ground. On the contrary, Colorado had problems establishing their own rushing attack and protecting Shedeur Sanders. Kansas State rushers were getting into the backfield untouched, and every rushing attempt was swallowed up. Dallen Hayden was the only Colorado rusher to touch the ball in the first half and he finished the half with seven attempts and 11 yards. After a long KSU drive that was led again by the running game and capped off by former Buff Dylan Edwards, the second quarter ended with a score of 14-7 in favor of Kansas State.
3rd Quarter:
The second half started with an 8-minute KSU drive, which ended in a two-yard passing touchdown from Avery Johnson. The Buffs forced multiple third and fourth downs, but couldn’t find a way to get off the field. When the Buffs finally got the ball back, everything seemed to work, picking up first down after first down. Conveniently for Kansas State, they had four stoppages for injuries, all four following big plays and first downs. Colorado capped off this drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Will Sheppard. Kansas State would drive and find a field goal near the end of the quarter, and the Buffs will trail 10 going into the fourth.
4th Quarter:
The Buffs’ first drive of the fourth quarter was a rollercoaster of emotions. Sheduer Sanders took a 18-yard sack, and then immediately delivered a dot on the next play for a gain of 51 yards to Omarion Miller. Then, somehow on the very next play, Sheduer threw possibly the worst pass of his career, missing his receiver by a mile on a ball that was sailed over his guys’ head and right into the hands of K-State’s safety.
The Buffs got the ball back after forcing a K-State three-and-out, and Sheduer atoned for his mistake. The Buffs marched down the field on an 11-play, 72 yard drive, which was capped off by a two-yard Isaiah Augustave touchdown to cut the lead to three.
Right when it seemed like Kansas State had a firm grasp on victory, Colton Hood came up with a massive interception off a tipped ball on fourth down, and nearly returned it for a touchdown. It only took the offense a couple of plays to score on a ten-yard LaJohntay Wester touchdown catch after starting the drive in the red zone.
All the momentum had shifted to Colorado and it seemed as though the Buffs had pulled it off. Unfortunately, that’s not quite how things played out. Kansas State was able to capitalize on Travis Hunters’ absence and scored over the top on a 50 yard touchdown recpetion to Jayce Brown to take a late lead. On their last leg, couldn’t get the job done. Shedeur faced pressure on 4th and 5, and his airball to Will Sheppard fell incomplete. The Buffs just couldn’t move the ball when it mattered most, sealing their fate of a 31-28 defeat.
Key Takeaways:
- Even without Travis Hunter, the receiver room stepped up and played fantastic. This group is DEEP and shows promise for the rest of the season and even looking forward to next season.
- Travis Hunters’ absence was felt most on the defensive side of the ball. There were personnel mismatches, and miscommunications constantly without the Buffs two-way superstar.
- This team will need to continue to place an emphasis on running the ball and stopping the run on defense. They were once again in the negative for rushing yards, but allowed a staggering 185 yards on the ground tonight.
Outlook:
This loss stings, but it doesn’t necessarily spoil the Buffaloes’ hopes for a conference championship. The Big 12 is still wide open, and the Buffs will need to steal a win on the road next week at Arizona. That game will kick off at 2:00 P.M. next Saturday, and hopefully the Buffs can earn a much-needed win in Tucson.
by Jacob.Thompson
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