In an electrifying matchup at Folsom Field, the CU Buffs came close but ultimately fell to No. 18 Kansas State. The Wildcats capitalized on key opportunities, stealing a 31-28 victory in the final minutes of the game. Kansas State’s Avery Johnson connected with Jayce Brown on a 50-yard touchdown pass, sealing the win with just 2:14 remaining.
The Buffs, led by Shedeur Sanders’ three touchdown passes, fought back from a 24-14 fourth-quarter deficit to briefly take the lead. However, injuries to stars Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. in the first half hindered their efforts. CU’s comeback fell short as their three-game winning streak came to an end, dropping them to 4-2 on the season.
First Quarter:
After a three-and-out by CU, the Buffs’ defense quickly forced Kansas State to punt, setting up favorable field position. Shedeur Sanders wasted no time, driving the Buffs 49 yards before hitting LaJohntay Wester for a 25-yard touchdown. Kansas State answered swiftly with an 11-play, 75-yard drive, capped off by an 8-yard touchdown run by quarterback Avery Johnson. The first quarter ended tied at 7-7.
Second Quarter:
CU struggled offensively in the second quarter, punting on their first two possessions. Kansas State took advantage, leaning on DJ Giddens’ ground game and former CU back Dylan Edwards. Edwards punched in a 1-yard touchdown after a 50-yard Giddens run, giving the Wildcats a 14-7 lead. The Buffs reached K-State territory before halftime, but two key sacks on Sanders ended their scoring hopes.
Third Quarter:
Kansas State opened the second half with an impressive, clock-draining 16-play, 81-yard drive. Avery Johnson found Jayce Brown for a 1-yard touchdown, putting CU in a 21-7 hole. The Buffs responded quickly, with Sanders finding Will Sheppard three times on a 75-yard scoring drive. Sheppard’s 7-yard touchdown narrowed the gap, but Kansas State answered with a 48-yard field goal, extending their lead to 24-14.
Fourth Quarter:
The fourth quarter brought incredible drama as CU surged back into contention. Sanders hit Omarion Miller for passes of 24 and 41 yards, but an interception at the goal line halted the drive. CU’s defense stepped up, forcing a three-and-out and giving the offense another shot. Isaiah Augustave capped an 11-play drive with a 3-yard touchdown, pulling CU within three points at 24-21.
Then, Colton Hood intercepted Johnson and returned it 59 yards to set up CU in prime position. Sanders struck again, hitting Wester for an 11-yard touchdown, giving the Buffs a 28-24 lead. But Kansas State answered swiftly, with Johnson’s 50-yard bomb to Jayce Brown reclaiming the lead for the Wildcats. CU had no response, and the Buffs fell 31-28 in a thrilling finish.
Despite the loss, CU showed resilience and fight, proving they belong in the Big 12.
