UPDATE: Colorado Buffaloes battled fiercely but ultimately succumbed to the Kansas State Wildcats, losing 24-14 in their season finale on November 25, 2023. This defeat marks a disappointing finish for the Buffs, who end the season with a record of 3-9 and a five-game losing streak under head coach Deion Sanders.
Playing at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, the CU Buffs entered the game as 17.5-point underdogs. Despite having little to gain, they fought hard, pulling within three points in the fourth quarter before Kansas State sealed the victory with a decisive scoring drive.
Joe Jackson was the standout for Kansas State, rushing for 142 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries. His last drive, which accounted for 60 yards, was crucial in securing the Wildcats’ bowl eligibility with a final record of 6-6.
The game opened with a methodical 13-play, 74-yard drive by Kansas State, capped by a 4-yard touchdown run from Jackson. The Buffs responded with an impressive drive that reached the K-State 21-yard line but stalled, leading to a blocked field goal attempt by Alejandro Mata.
CU’s defense rose to the occasion, forcing two three-and-outs and stopping a fourth-down attempt by the Wildcats. The Buffaloes found their rhythm late in the first half, with Micah Welch scoring a game-tying touchdown just before halftime, leaving the score at 7-7.
After halftime, CU’s offense struggled to capitalize, failing to convert on a critical fourth down early in the third quarter. Kansas State regained momentum, with Jackson scoring again on a 1-yard run, giving the Wildcats a 14-7 lead.
As the fourth quarter progressed, Kansas State extended their lead to 17-7 with a 35-yard field goal by Luis Rodriguez. However, the Buffs rallied back, with Kaidon Salter leading a 75-yard drive, which ended with Welch’s second touchdown, narrowing the gap to 17-14.
In a critical moment, Kansas State responded with a nine-play, 75-yard drive, culminating in a 17-yard touchdown by Jackson, sealing the game’s outcome at 24-14 with just 2:37 remaining.
The Buffaloes’ struggles this season reflect significant challenges, including a lack of success in the transfer portal, which has impacted their performance. As the season closes, attention turns to how CU can regroup and rebuild for a better showing next year.
Fans and analysts will be closely watching the offseason developments as Colorado aims to turn the tide in the upcoming year.
