CU Buffs Fall to Kansas State 24-14 in Season Finale

UPDATE: In a dramatic season finale, the Colorado Buffaloes put up a valiant fight but ultimately fell to the Kansas State Wildcats 24-14 on November 25, 2023, at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Despite entering the game as 17.5-point underdogs, CU battled back to close the deficit in the fourth quarter but couldn’t secure the victory.

The Buffaloes, finishing the season with a record of 3-9 and 1-8 in the Big 12, have now ended their third season under head coach Deion Sanders with a disappointing five-game losing streak. Meanwhile, Kansas State improved to 6-6 and clinched bowl eligibility with this crucial win.

Kansas State’s standout running back Joe Jackson dominated the game, rushing for 142 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries, with a significant contribution of 60 yards coming during the Wildcats’ final drive. CU’s running back Micah Welch scored two touchdowns, while receiver Omarion Miller recorded an impressive seven catches for 120 yards. Quarterback Kaidon Salter, making his first start since November 1, threw for 172 yards but also had one interception.

The game kicked off with Kansas State establishing an early lead, executing a methodical 13-play, 74-yard drive that consumed 7 minutes and 40 seconds of the first quarter. Jackson opened the scoring with a 4-yard touchdown run. CU responded aggressively, moving into K-State territory but failing to capitalize after a blocked field goal attempt by Alejandro Mata.

As the first half progressed, the Buffs’ defense tightened, forcing the Wildcats into two three-and-outs and a critical fourth-down stop. CU rallied late in the half, with Salter connecting with Miller for a 38-yard pass that set up Welch’s game-tying touchdown just 18 seconds before halftime, sending the teams into the locker room at a 7-7 stalemate.

The second half saw both teams exchanging blows, but Kansas State regained the lead with a 1-yard touchdown run from Jackson, pushing the score to 14-7. The Wildcats extended their lead with a 35-yard field goal that made it 17-7 early in the fourth quarter.

CU fought back, with Salter leading a promising 75-yard drive that culminated in Welch’s second touchdown, narrowing the gap to 17-14 with just over seven minutes remaining. However, Kansas State responded decisively, orchestrating a game-sealing 75-yard drive of their own, capped by Jackson’s 17-yard touchdown run, solidifying the final score at 24-14.

As the Buffaloes conclude their season, the focus will shift to offseason strategies and potential changes. Fans are left eagerly anticipating what the future holds for the team under Coach Sanders.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Buffaloes regroup and prepare for the next season.