Buffs' Comeback Falls Short in Thrilling 31-28 Loss to No. 18 Kansas State
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In an action-packed showdown at Folsom Field, the Colorado Buffaloes battled fiercely but couldn’t pull off the upset, falling 31-28 to No. 18 Kansas State. With the game hanging in the balance, Kansas State’s Avery Johnson connected with Jayce Brown on a 50-yard touchdown pass with just over two minutes remaining to steal the victory from CU.
The Buffs, led by quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ three touchdown passes, mounted a gutsy comeback after trailing 24-14 in the fourth quarter. Despite losing key players Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. to first-half injuries, CU showed resilience, briefly taking the lead late in the game before Kansas State struck back. The Buffs dropped to 4-2 on the season, while Kansas State improved to 5-1.
First Quarter:
After the Buffs went three-and-out on their opening possession, their defense quickly made up for it by forcing Kansas State to punt. Given prime field position at the Wildcats’ 49-yard line, Shedeur Sanders took control, leading a nine-play drive and capping it off with a 25-yard touchdown pass to LaJohntay Wester. Kansas State responded with an 11-play, 75-yard march of their own, highlighted by big runs from DJ Giddens and finished by an 8-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Avery Johnson. The first quarter ended tied 7-7.
Second Quarter:
In the second quarter, CU’s offense sputtered, unable to build momentum. They punted on back-to-back possessions while Kansas State found their rhythm. After an early punt, the Wildcats leaned heavily on Giddens, who powered through the Buffs’ defense with six straight runs for 50 yards. Former CU back Dylan Edwards finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown, putting Kansas State ahead 14-7. CU made a late push before halftime, but two crucial sacks on Sanders ended the drive, sending the Buffs into the locker room trailing.
Third Quarter:
Kansas State controlled the tempo to start the second half, grinding down the clock with a methodical 16-play, 81-yard drive that chewed up over eight minutes. Johnson finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Jayce Brown, extending the Wildcats’ lead to 21-7. CU quickly responded, though, as Sanders completed six passes, three of them to Will Sheppard, on a 75-yard scoring drive. Sheppard’s 7-yard touchdown reception cut the lead to 21-14, but the Wildcats stretched the margin again with a 48-yard field goal from Chris Tennant, making it 24-14 before the quarter ended.
Fourth Quarter:
CU roared back in the fourth quarter with big plays from their offense. Sanders connected with Omarion Miller on passes of 24 and 41 yards, driving the Buffs deep into Wildcats territory. However, a costly interception at the goal line seemed to kill their momentum. But the Buffs’ defense stood tall, forcing Kansas State to punt after just three plays. Seizing the opportunity, Sanders led CU on an 11-play drive that ended with a 3-yard touchdown run by Isaiah Augustave, bringing the Buffs within three points at 24-21.
The Buffs’ defense struck again on the next possession when Colton Hood intercepted Johnson and returned it 59 yards to the Kansas State 17-yard line. Two plays later, Sanders hit Wester for an 11-yard touchdown, giving CU a 28-24 lead with just over five minutes remaining. But Kansas State wouldn’t be denied. Johnson found Jayce Brown for a 50-yard touchdown just three plays later, recapturing the lead for the Wildcats. CU had one final chance, but the Buffs couldn’t muster a response, and Kansas State held on for the 31-28 victory.
Despite the defeat, CU showcased their fighting spirit and ability to compete with top-ranked teams. The Buffs continue to prove they belong in the Big 12, and their season is far from over.
