Colorado is heading back to Folsom Field this Saturday, desperately hunting for their first Big 12 win of the season against a Kansas State team that is struggling hard. The Buffaloes are sitting at a brutal 2-5 after five straight losses, including a nasty 57-24 beatdown by Oklahoma State last Saturday. Kansas State isn’t exactly shining either, at 4-3 overall and just 1-3 in conference play after taking a 28-17 loss to Arizona State. Even though Colorado holds the historical series lead at 45-22-1, it’s Kansas State who has taken the last two matchups. This one is going to be a battle of wills, folks, and there’s a whole lot hanging in the balance.
Kansas State’s Season Is Slipping Away Fast
What happened to the Wildcats after their 3-0 start? It’s been a tough stretch of conference games, for sure, but Kansas State has dropped three of their past four games. They’re staring down the barrel, needing two more wins in their final five contests just to hit six wins and become bowl eligible. That’s a huge ask when you consider their remaining schedule includes heavy hitters like Oklahoma State and TCU. This Saturday’s game is also their second straight road game, which never helps. Colorado, on the other hand, is finally back home after letting a halftime lead disappear in Stillwater, so they’re going to be absolutely revved up to capitalize on that home field advantage.
The Wildcat QB Room Is a Certified Mess
This is the biggest question mark looming over Saturday’s game. Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson missed the Arizona State game and is still listed as day-to-day. That threw Jacob Knuth into his first collegiate start, where he went 26 of 41 for 194 yards and a touchdown through the air, plus a rushing score. Sounds okay, right? Except Knuth also injured his ankle during that game! And if that wasn’t enough drama, Dillon Duff and Blake Barnett are also dealing with injuries. Head coach Collin Klein admitted Monday he has no clue who will be under center for the first snap against Colorado. Talk about leaving your opponent guessing! The Buffaloes are going to have to prepare for a rotating door of possibilities as Kansas State tries to figure out who’s even available to take snaps.
It’s All About the Run Game: K-State’s Strength vs. Colorado’s Weakness
If there’s one thing Kansas State does well, it’s run the ball. They average a whopping 217.6 rushing yards per game, ranking them 14th nationally. Johnson is their absolute engine, leading the team with 462 yards on just 51 carries, which is why his health is so incredibly important to their offense. But here’s the kicker: Colorado’s defense just got gashed for 188 rushing yards by Oklahoma State. The Buffaloes’ defensive front, led by Lamont Lester Jr. and Santana Hopper, has got to step up big time this Saturday. If Kansas State has to lean on their running backs to support an injured or inexperienced quarterback, stopping those early-down runs is paramount. Force K-State into long passing situations, and Colorado might just find a way to snap this losing streak.
Oh, and there’s a cool little subplot here too: Kansas State head coach Collin Klein is returning to his home state. He grew up in Loveland and even played quarterback for Kansas State at Folsom Field back in 2010, rushing for two touchdowns in a 44-36 loss. This Saturday marks his first visit as a head coach, and you know his friends and family will be there to see the former Wildcats standout in his first season leading the program.
This Saturday, Colorado needs a Big 12 win like it needs air. With Kansas State in turmoil at quarterback and fighting for bowl eligibility, you know this game is going to be an absolute dogfight. Can Colorado finally get off the conference schneid, or will K-State’s run game and desperation prove too much? It’s all on the line.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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