UPDATE: In a gripping season finale, the Colorado Buffaloes fought valiantly but succumbed to the Kansas State Wildcats with a final score of 24-14 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium earlier today. The Buffs, finishing the season with a disappointing 3-9 record and 1-8 in the Big 12, are left reeling from a five-game losing streak under head coach Deion Sanders.
The Wildcats secured bowl eligibility with this victory, closing their regular season at 6-6 overall and 5-4 in the conference. Despite entering the game as 17.5-point underdogs, the Buffaloes showed resilience, narrowing the gap to 17-14 in the fourth quarter before Kansas State sealed the game with a decisive drive.
The game kicked off with Kansas State demonstrating their might, executing a methodical 13-play, 74-yard drive that consumed 7 minutes and 40 seconds of the clock. Running back Joe Jackson led the charge, contributing a pivotal 27-yard run and scoring the first touchdown with a 4-yard run.
Colorado responded, moving into Kansas State territory but saw a field goal attempt blocked. The Buffs’ defense, however, rose to the occasion, forcing multiple three-and-outs and halting a Wildcats’ drive with a critical stop by Keaten Wade.
As the first half wound down, the Buffs found their rhythm. A series of impressive runs set up a 38-yard pass from quarterback Kaidon Salter to receiver Omarion Miller, bringing the Buffs to the 1-yard line. Micah Welch then punched in a game-tying touchdown just 18 seconds before halftime, leaving the score at 7-7.
The second half began with promise for Colorado, but their drive stalled at the Kansas State 34-yard line. Midway through the third quarter, the Wildcats answered back, scoring a 1-yard touchdown from Jackson to reclaim the lead at 14-7.
Kansas State then extended their advantage with a lengthy drive that culminated in a 35-yard field goal, making it 17-7 with 10:23 left in the fourth quarter. Yet again, the Buffs responded, with Salter leading a swift 75-yard drive. The momentum shifted when Salter connected with Miller for a stunning 43-yard pass, setting up another touchdown from Welch, narrowing the score to 17-14 with 7:03 remaining.
However, Kansas State delivered the final blow with a game-sealing 75-yard drive, capped by a 17-yard touchdown run from Jackson, sealing the game at 24-14 with just 2:37 left on the clock. Colorado was unable to mount a comeback in the waning moments.
The Buffaloes’ loss underscores a turbulent season filled with challenges, including struggles in the transfer portal. Fans and supporters are left wondering how the program will regroup as they head into the offseason.
As the dust settles on this season, all eyes will be on Coach Sanders and the Buffs as they aim to rebuild and re-establish themselves in the competitive landscape of college football.
