UPDATE: In a gripping season finale, the Colorado Buffaloes fell to the Kansas State Wildcats 24-14 on November 25, 2023, at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, marking a disappointing end to their campaign. Despite entering the game as 17.5-point underdogs, CU fought valiantly but could not overcome a late surge from Kansas State, which secured bowl eligibility with this victory.
The Buffaloes, now 3-9 overall and 1-8 in the Big 12, closed out their third season under head coach Deion Sanders with a five-game losing streak. Kansas State improved to 6-6 with this win.
After a slow start, the Buffaloes showed resilience, narrowing the gap to 17-14 midway through the fourth quarter. However, Kansas State responded decisively with a game-sealing 75-yard scoring drive capped off by a 17-yard touchdown run from running back Joe Jackson, who finished the game with 142 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries.
Colorado’s offense was led by running back Micah Welch, who scored two touchdowns, and receiver Omarion Miller, who caught seven passes for 120 yards. Quarterback Kaidon Salter, making his first start since November 1, threw for 172 yards but was intercepted once.
The Wildcats opened the game with a dominant 13-play, 74-yard drive that took 7 minutes and 40 seconds off the clock, culminating in a 4-yard touchdown run by Jackson. Colorado struggled early, with a blocked field goal attempt halting their first scoring opportunity.
Defensively, the Buffaloes showed promise, forcing two three-and-outs and stopping Kansas State on a crucial fourth down. Just before halftime, CU found its rhythm, culminating in a game-tying touchdown from Welch with just 18 seconds left in the second quarter.
As the second half unfolded, Kansas State regained momentum with a touchdown followed by a field goal, pushing their lead to 17-7. CU’s spirited response brought them within three points, but the Wildcats sealed their victory with another swift drive, leaving the Buffaloes unable to mount a comeback in the final minutes.
This defeat highlights the ongoing challenges for the Buffaloes as they look to regroup and prepare for the next season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Coach Sanders aims to turn this program around after a tumultuous year.
The Buffaloes will now focus on the offseason and the transfer portal, hoping to build a stronger roster for the 2024 season. Stay tuned for more updates as Colorado evaluates its next steps following this tough loss.
