Colorado puts together complete game to defeat Kansas State
After an upsetting loss to the Oklahoma State Cowboys in a 57-24 blowout, consistency seemed to be the biggest hurdle for the Colorado Buffaloes. Heading into a Big 12, Halloween matchup with the Kansas State Wildcats, the big question was: could the Buffaloes sustain their performance in all four quarters after struggling to maintain momentum in recent games?
After losing five consecutive games, Colorado’s matchup against Kansas State presented a chance to change the narrative. The Buffaloes struggled to maintain their momentum in their previous outing against Oklahoma State despite scoring 24 first-half points and putting together 279 yards of offense.
This game started similarly to the Buffs’ game in Week 8, as Colorado showed early signs of offensive rhythm, opening the game with a touchdown drive. It was capped off with a touchdown run by running back Richard Young. But the momentum did not carry through the rest of the half. Kansas State answered in the second quarter to tie the game, and both teams went into halftime tied at 7-7. Colorado established an early lead, but it still needed to find a way to sustain that energy on both sides of the ball.
The Buffaloes came out of the half with more offensive drive, using the run game to create opportunities and regain the lead. There was a light shining down on Folsom, as the Buffs appeared to have control early in the fourth quarter, leading 21-14 after Young scored his second touchdown of the game. But Kansas State shocked Colorado, erasing the lead and tying the game with an eight-yard touchdown pass with two seconds remaining in regulation.
Kansas State’s late touchdown brought back the same consistency worries that followed Colorado throughout its losing streak. After building a seven-point lead in the fourth quarter, the Buffs once again struggled to maintain control when it mattered most. What had looked like an opportunity to close out the game turned into another test of Colorado’s ability to respond after losing momentum.
Colorado’s defense came up with the stop it needed, holding K-State to a 25-yard field goal on its first possession of overtime. The Buffaloes capitalized, scoring the game-winning touchdown on a pop pass to tight end Charlie Williams, securing a 27-24 victory at Folsom Field.
This finish was especially important after Colorado’s consistency struggles throughout the season. Saturday presented another test of the team's ability to handle adversity. But this time, it was a test the Buffs passed.
Young helped establish that response on the ground, finishing with 120 rushing yards on 24 carries and two touchdowns.
Colorado head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders praised Young and emphasized how much the running game helped take pressure off Wilson.
“The running attack was truly vital,” Sanders said. “I like that because it took a lot of pressure off Isaac [Wilson]; he didn't have to play hero ball, and he was able to be calm.”
Wilson echoed that sentiment.
“Yeah, the run game is the quarterback's best friend, right? You can always lean on the run game, on the O-line, on the running backs, because it makes everything cleaner, simpler,” Wilson said.
Leaning on the run game gave Colorado a way to sustain its offensive momentum beyond individual passing plays. Young’s production helped the Buffaloes move the ball consistently, while continuing to relieve the pressure on Wilson to make something happen on every possession. That balance allowed Colorado to keep its offense moving in the second half and build a lead, even as K-State continued to challenge it.
The defense also played a decisive role in the Buffs’ sustained momentum. Linebacker Gideon Lampron recorded two sacks and a career-high 15 tackles, helping Colorado create pressure throughout the game.
One overtime victory does not erase the inconsistencies that contributed to Colorado’s losing streak, though. The Buffaloes still allowed Kansas State to force overtime after holding a seven-point lead with less than a minute remaining in the fourth quarter.
But Saturday’s Halloween matchup offered a different ending. Colorado showed improved offensive balance and ultimately responded under pressure, even though sustaining a lead remains a work in progress. The next challenge is turning that response into a consistent four-quarter performance in consecutive weeks.
In Week 10, the Buffaloes will travel to face the Arizona State Sun Devils on Nov. 7. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. MT from Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona (ESPN).
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