UPDATE: The Colorado Buffaloes put up a fierce fight but ultimately succumbed to the Kansas State Wildcats, losing 24-14 in their season finale on November 25, 2023. The game, held at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas, marked a disappointing end to the Buffs’ season, closing out with a 3-9 record.
Kansas State secured bowl eligibility with this victory, improving their record to 6-6, while the Buffs have now fallen into a five-game losing streak under head coach Deion Sanders.
Despite entering the game as 17.5-point underdogs, the Buffs showed resilience, narrowing the gap to 17-14 midway through the fourth quarter. However, Kansas State sealed the game with a decisive 75-yard drive led by standout running back Joe Jackson, who rushed for 142 yards and three touchdowns.
The action unfolded quickly as Kansas State opened the game with an impressive 13-play, 74-yard scoring drive, culminating in Jackson’s 4-yard touchdown run. Colorado responded with a drive that reached the Wildcats’ 21-yard line but fell short, leading to a blocked field goal attempt by Alejandro Mata.
Throughout the first half, CU’s defense held strong, forcing two three-and-outs and a critical fourth-down stop by Keaten Wade. The Buffs found their momentum late in the half, with running back Micah Welch rushing for a touchdown just before halftime, sending the teams into intermission tied at 7-7.
The second half began with a promising drive for Colorado, but a failed attempt on fourth down left them empty-handed. Kansas State capitalized, with Jackson scoring another touchdown to give the Wildcats a 14-7 lead. A field goal extended their advantage to 17-7, but CU wasn’t finished yet.
Salter, making his first start since November 1, led a 75-yard scoring drive that culminated in Welch’s second touchdown, bringing the Buffs within three points at 17-14 with 7:03 to go.
However, Kansas State quickly responded, executing a game-sealing drive that culminated in a 17-yard touchdown run by Jackson, pushing the score to 24-14 with just 2:37 remaining. Colorado was unable to mount a comeback, marking a bitter end to their season.
As the Buffs reflect on this season’s struggles, including challenges with the transfer portal, all eyes will be on head coach Deion Sanders as he seeks to rebuild for next year. Fans are left wondering how the team will recover from this disappointing finish.
Stay tuned for updates as Colorado prepares for the offseason and potential changes ahead.
