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

UPDATE: The Colorado Buffaloes fought valiantly but ultimately succumbed to the Kansas State Wildcats, losing 24-14 in their season finale at Bill Snyder Family Stadium on November 25, 2023. With this defeat, the Buffs concluded their season with a disappointing record of 3-9, marking a fifth consecutive loss under head coach Deion Sanders.

The game began with Kansas State establishing dominance through a meticulous 13-play, 74-yard scoring drive that consumed over 7 minutes of the first quarter. Running back Joe Jackson was instrumental, finishing the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run. Despite entering as 17.5-point underdogs, CU responded fiercely, tying the game just before halftime with a 1-yard touchdown by Micah Welch, following a series of impressive plays by the Buffs.

The second half saw Kansas State regain control. They executed a series of successful plays, culminating in Jackson’s 1-yard touchdown run that brought the score to 14-7 by the end of the third quarter. The Wildcats extended their lead to 17-7 with a 35-yard field goal from Luis Rodriguez early in the fourth quarter.

However, the Buffs were not ready to back down. Quarterback Kaidon Salter, making his first start since November 1, led a thrilling 75-yard drive, highlighted by a 43-yard pass to Omarion Miller. Welch scored again, narrowing the gap to 17-14 with just over 7 minutes left in the game.

In a decisive moment, Kansas State answered back with a powerful drive, sealing the game with a 17-yard touchdown run by Jackson, pushing the score to 24-14 with merely 2:37 remaining. The Buffs were unable to mount a comeback in the final minutes, leading to a bittersweet end to their season.

This game not only highlights the resilience of the Colorado Buffaloes but also marks Kansas State’s achievement in reaching bowl eligibility with their record now standing at 6-6. The Buffs will look to regroup and assess their strategy in the offseason as they hope to turn things around in the upcoming year.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Buffs navigate the challenges that lie ahead, particularly regarding recruitment and performance improvements. The emotional stakes were high today, and the determination displayed by both teams promises an exciting future for college football.