October 13th 2024.
The highly anticipated Big 12 showdown between Colorado and Kansas State ended in a tough 31-28 loss for the Buffaloes. While the game was filled with intense moments and impressive plays, there were a few key factors that ultimately led to Colorado's defeat.
One of the primary keys to Kansas State's victory was their dominant running game. Junior DJ Giddens was virtually untouchable, rushing for an impressive 127 yards in the first half alone. Former Buffaloe Dylan Edwards also contributed to the Wildcats' success with 17 yards and a touchdown. The CU linebackers and secondary struggled to contain Giddens, leading to multiple big gains for Kansas State. Even in the second half, the Wildcats continued to pound the football and control the clock, thanks in part to the efforts of local standout Carver Willis.
Unfortunately for Colorado, they also suffered some key injuries during the game. Star wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter, who has been a crucial part of the Buffs' 4-1 start to the season, left the game in the second quarter with a shoulder injury. His absence was felt on both offense and defense, as he is known for his explosive plays. Wideout Jimmy Horn Jr. also left the game with an injury in the first half, further depleting the Buffaloes' offensive weapons.
However, despite these setbacks, sophomore Colton Hood stepped up in a big way. He came in to replace Hunter on defense and made a crucial interception in the fourth quarter, setting up Colorado's go-ahead touchdown. While he narrowly missed out on a pick-six, the Buffs were able to capitalize on the turnover and take the lead. But it wasn't just Hood who shined in the face of adversity - quarterback Shedeur Sanders also showed his resilience. Despite playing without his top targets in Hunter and Horn, Sanders remained composed and put up impressive numbers, completing 16 straight passes and finishing the game with 338 yards, three touchdowns, and a 186.2 rating.
Both teams' defensive lines were also forces to be reckoned with throughout the game. In the first half, the Wildcats had four sacks for a total loss of 49 yards, while the Buffaloes' defense had three sacks for a loss of 29 yards. This pressure led to an intentional grounding penalty on CU's last drive of the half, effectively ending their scoring opportunity. In the second half, Kansas State continued to bring the heat, adding two more sacks to their total. On one particular play, defensive end Ryan Davis even mimicked Sanders' signature wristwatch move, much to the dismay of the CU crowd.
In addition to the intense on-field action, there were also many familiar faces on the sidelines. As has become the norm with Coach Prime's games, an impressive array of stars were in attendance. NBA players Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, John Wall, and Kevin Durant, as well as rapper Cam'ron, were all spotted at Folsom Field. Former CU football stars and current NFL receivers Laviska Shenault and Juwann Winfree were also in attendance, adding to the star-studded atmosphere.
While the game may have ended in a loss for the Buffaloes, it was still an exciting and entertaining matchup. The Kansas State Wildcats proved to be a formidable opponent, and Colorado showed their resilience and determination despite facing some challenges. With plenty of notable moments and big plays, this Big 12 showdown was certainly one to remember.
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