Kansas Stuns No. 16 Colorado in Statement Win Behind Devin Neal’s Dominance
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas delivered a commanding 37-21 victory over No. 16 Colorado on Saturday, led by a career performance from Devin Neal. The junior running back amassed 207 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while adding 80 receiving yards and a score, as the Jayhawks dashed the Buffaloes’ hopes of securing a clear path to the Big 12 title game.
Kansas (5-6, 4-4 Big 12) played nearly flawless football, scoring on every offensive possession except their last, and controlled the clock for more than 40 minutes. The dominant performance kept Colorado stars Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter largely sidelined and stifled any momentum for the Buffaloes (8-3, 6-2 Big 12), who must now win against Oklahoma State next week and hope for help to keep their championship dreams alive.
Sanders, who threw for 266 yards and three touchdowns, set a new Colorado single-season record with 30 TD passes. Hunter continued his standout campaign with eight receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns but made little impact defensively. The Buffaloes’ inability to stop Kansas’ offense proved costly, as the Jayhawks racked up 520 total yards, including 331 on the ground.
Kansas wasted no time establishing control. Neal opened the scoring with a 51-yard touchdown catch, and the Jayhawks quickly built a 10-0 lead following a Colorado three-and-out. Neal added a rushing touchdown shortly after, putting Kansas up 17-0 before Hunter’s explosive 51-yard touchdown gave Colorado a glimmer of hope.
Despite holding a 23-14 lead at halftime, Kansas had settled for three short field goals in the first half, leaving questions about missed opportunities. However, the Jayhawks erased any doubt in the second half.
After Colorado closed the gap to 23-21 on Hunter’s second touchdown, Kansas answered with an 80-yard drive capped by Neal’s third rushing score. A defensive stand, including a critical sack on Sanders, followed by an 8-minute scoring drive, sealed the game for the Jayhawks.
The Kansas defense, highlighted by Cobee Bryant’s pass breakup in the end zone late in the game, ensured the Buffaloes couldn’t mount a comeback.
Takeaways
Kansas: The Jayhawks made history as the first FBS team with a losing record to defeat three straight AP Top 25 teams. Neal’s performance solidified his place as one of Kansas’ all-time greats, becoming the first player in school history with three 1,000-yard rushing seasons. Kansas, now playing with renewed confidence after a 1-5 start, appears to have found its rhythm at the perfect time.
Colorado: The Buffaloes’ defensive struggles cost them in a game that could have secured their spot in the Big 12 title race. While Sanders and Hunter continue to deliver star performances, Colorado must regroup quickly to face Oklahoma State next week in a must-win game.
Kansas’ victory not only reshaped the Big 12 standings but also served as a reminder of the Jayhawks’ resilience and potential, making them a dangerous opponent as the season draws to a close.
BOULDER, Colo. – Behind a stellar performance from quarterback Shedeur Sanders and key contributions from special teams and defense, the Colorado Buffaloes secured a dominant 49-24 victory over the Utah Utes in an electrifying Pac-12 showdown.
1st Quarter: Early Colorado Momentum
The game opened with Utah striking first on a 32-yard field goal by Cole Becker at 10:08. However, Colorado quickly took control as Sanders connected with Will Sheppard for a 40-yard touchdown pass. Minutes later, LaJohntay Wester electrified the crowd with a 76-yard punt return for a touchdown, giving the Buffaloes a 14-3 lead after one quarter.
2nd Quarter: Late Utah Push
Utah tried to close the gap with another Becker field goal midway through the second quarter, but Sanders and Sheppard responded with their second touchdown connection of the game, this time from six yards out. Becker managed to add a 47-yard field goal as time expired, bringing the halftime score to 21-9 in favor of Colorado.
3rd Quarter: Colorado’s Ground Game Emerges
The Buffaloes extended their lead early in the third quarter with a 37-yard touchdown run by Isaiah Augustave. Utah countered with a 40-yard touchdown strike from Isaac Wilson to Dorian Singer, cutting the deficit to 28-16 heading into the final quarter.
4th Quarter: Colorado Seals the Deal
Colorado opened the fourth quarter with a bang as Sanders delivered a 47-yard touchdown pass to Drelon Miller, pushing the lead to 35-16. Utah attempted to rally with a 3-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to Caleb Lohner, followed by a successful two-point conversion. However, Charlie Offerdahl’s 4-yard touchdown run and a late 5-yard scoring run from Travis Hunter put the game out of reach, giving Colorado an emphatic 49-24 victory.
Game Highlights
• Shedeur Sanders led the Buffaloes’ offense with three touchdown passes and a commanding presence throughout the game.
• Will Sheppard shined with two touchdown receptions, including a 40-yard strike.
• LaJohntay Wester’s electrifying punt return proved to be a pivotal momentum swing early in the game.
• Utah’s Isaac Wilson showed resilience, throwing for two touchdowns, but the Utes struggled to keep pace with Colorado’s explosive offense.
The win solidifies Colorado’s position as a rising powerhouse in the Pac-12, while Utah will look to regroup after a challenging road game.
Colorado 41, Texas Tech 27: Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter Shine in Victory
LUBBOCK, TX — Colorado secured a thrilling 41-27 victory over Texas Tech on Saturday, highlighted by Shedeur Sanders’ precision passing and Travis Hunter’s all-around brilliance. The Buffaloes overcame an early deficit to dominate the second half and strengthen their postseason hopes.
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
• Texas Tech 7-0: Jalin Conyers caught a 17-yard touchdown pass from Behren Morton just 1:10 into the game, followed by a Gino Garcia PAT.
• Texas Tech 10-0: Garcia drilled a 53-yard field goal with 7:04 remaining in the quarter.
• Texas Tech 13-0: Garcia added a 39-yard field goal at 2:28, giving the Red Raiders an early cushion.
• Texas Tech 7-0: Jalin Conyers caught a 17-yard touchdown pass from Behren Morton just 1:10 into the game, followed by a Gino Garcia PAT.
• Texas Tech 10-0: Garcia drilled a 53-yard field goal with 7:04 remaining in the quarter.
• Texas Tech 13-0: Garcia added a 39-yard field goal at 2:28, giving the Red Raiders an early cushion.
2nd Quarter
• Texas Tech 13-7: Colorado responded with a 23-yard touchdown reception by LaJohntay Wester from Sanders, cutting the deficit midway through the second quarter.
• Texas Tech 13-10: Alejandro Mata connected on a 25-yard field goal with 30 seconds left before halftime.
• Texas Tech 13-7: Colorado responded with a 23-yard touchdown reception by LaJohntay Wester from Sanders, cutting the deficit midway through the second quarter.
• Texas Tech 13-10: Alejandro Mata connected on a 25-yard field goal with 30 seconds left before halftime.
3rd Quarter
• Colorado 17-13: Sanders opened the second half with a 7-yard touchdown run to give Colorado its first lead of the game.
• Texas Tech 20-17: Tahj Brooks answered with a 2-yard rushing touchdown, capping a physical drive.
• Colorado 24-20: Sanders found Will Sheppard for a 5-yard touchdown pass to reclaim the lead.
• Colorado 31-20: Travis Hunter electrified the crowd with a 24-yard touchdown reception, giving Colorado a commanding lead.
• Colorado 17-13: Sanders opened the second half with a 7-yard touchdown run to give Colorado its first lead of the game.
• Texas Tech 20-17: Tahj Brooks answered with a 2-yard rushing touchdown, capping a physical drive.
• Colorado 24-20: Sanders found Will Sheppard for a 5-yard touchdown pass to reclaim the lead.
• Colorado 31-20: Travis Hunter electrified the crowd with a 24-yard touchdown reception, giving Colorado a commanding lead.
4th Quarter
• Colorado 34-20: Mata’s 33-yard field goal extended the Buffaloes’ advantage with just under 10 minutes remaining.
• Texas Tech 34-27: Conyers scored his second touchdown of the game, a 21-yard reception, pulling Texas Tech within a score late in the game.
• Colorado 41-27: Shilo Sanders sealed the victory with a 6-yard fumble return touchdown in the final minute.
• Colorado 34-20: Mata’s 33-yard field goal extended the Buffaloes’ advantage with just under 10 minutes remaining.
• Texas Tech 34-27: Conyers scored his second touchdown of the game, a 21-yard reception, pulling Texas Tech within a score late in the game.
• Colorado 41-27: Shilo Sanders sealed the victory with a 6-yard fumble return touchdown in the final minute.
Game Leaders
• Passing: Shedeur Sanders led Colorado, completing 30 of 43 passes for 291 yards and three touchdowns. Behren Morton paced Texas Tech with 275 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception on 24-of-40 passing.
• Rushing: Colorado struggled on the ground, with Isiah Augustave managing 32 yards on 10 carries. Texas Tech’s Tahj Brooks dominated with 137 rushing yards and a touchdown on 31 carries.
• Receiving: Travis Hunter led Colorado’s air attack with crucial catches, while Jalin Conyers was a key target for Texas Tech.
• Rushing: Colorado struggled on the ground, with Isiah Augustave managing 32 yards on 10 carries. Texas Tech’s Tahj Brooks dominated with 137 rushing yards and a touchdown on 31 carries.
• Receiving: Travis Hunter led Colorado’s air attack with crucial catches, while Jalin Conyers was a key target for Texas Tech.
Key Takeaways
Colorado: The Buffaloes demonstrated resilience after an early deficit, with Sanders and Hunter showcasing their NFL-caliber talent. The defense stepped up in key moments, particularly in the second half, highlighted by Shilo Sanders’ game-clinching fumble recovery.
Texas Tech: Despite a strong start and a standout performance from Brooks, the Red Raiders’ defense faltered under Colorado’s relentless offensive attack. With Morton showing flashes of brilliance, Texas Tech remains competitive but needs stronger consistency to finish games.
Colorado Outlasts Cincinnati 34-23 Behind Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter
BOULDER, CO — Colorado extended its winning streak with a 34-23 victory over Cincinnati on Saturday, powered by Shedeur Sanders’ precision passing and Travis Hunter’s game-changing plays. The Buffaloes capitalized on their offensive efficiency, outlasting the Bearcats in a game marked by big moments and clutch performances.
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
• Colorado 7-0: Travis Hunter opened the scoring with a 3-yard touchdown reception from Sanders midway through the first quarter.
• Tied 7-7: Cincinnati responded as Tony Johnson hauled in a 6-yard touchdown pass from Brendan Sorsby.
• Colorado 14-7: Sanders capped the quarter with a 4-yard touchdown run as the clock expired.
• Colorado 7-0: Travis Hunter opened the scoring with a 3-yard touchdown reception from Sanders midway through the first quarter.
• Tied 7-7: Cincinnati responded as Tony Johnson hauled in a 6-yard touchdown pass from Brendan Sorsby.
• Colorado 14-7: Sanders capped the quarter with a 4-yard touchdown run as the clock expired.
2nd Quarter
• Tied 14-14: Evan Pryor’s 13-yard rushing touchdown evened the score early in the quarter.
• Colorado 17-14: Alejandro Mata drilled a 28-yard field goal to reclaim the lead for the Buffaloes.
• Colorado 24-14: Hunter struck again with a 34-yard touchdown reception from Sanders just before halftime.
• Tied 14-14: Evan Pryor’s 13-yard rushing touchdown evened the score early in the quarter.
• Colorado 17-14: Alejandro Mata drilled a 28-yard field goal to reclaim the lead for the Buffaloes.
• Colorado 24-14: Hunter struck again with a 34-yard touchdown reception from Sanders just before halftime.
3rd Quarter
• Colorado 31-14: Isaiah Augustave extended Colorado’s lead with a 7-yard rushing touchdown late in the third quarter.
• Colorado 31-14: Isaiah Augustave extended Colorado’s lead with a 7-yard rushing touchdown late in the third quarter.
4th Quarter
• Colorado 31-17: Nathan Hawks hit a 32-yard field goal to chip into the Buffaloes’ lead.
• Colorado 31-23: Joe Royer caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Sorsby, but a failed two-point conversion limited Cincinnati’s momentum.
• Colorado 34-23: Mata closed out the scoring with a 47-yard field goal in the final minutes.
• Colorado 31-17: Nathan Hawks hit a 32-yard field goal to chip into the Buffaloes’ lead.
• Colorado 31-23: Joe Royer caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Sorsby, but a failed two-point conversion limited Cincinnati’s momentum.
• Colorado 34-23: Mata closed out the scoring with a 47-yard field goal in the final minutes.
Game Leaders
• Passing: Shedeur Sanders led Colorado’s aerial attack, completing 25 of 30 passes for 323 yards and two touchdowns. Brendan Sorsby kept Cincinnati competitive, throwing for 180 yards and two scores on 16-of-30 passing.
• Rushing: Cincinnati’s Corey Kiner led all rushers with 94 yards on 17 carries, while Colorado’s Isaiah Augustave contributed 91 yards and a touchdown on 22 attempts.
• Receiving: Travis Hunter showcased his star power with two touchdown receptions and 78 yards, while Cincinnati’s Joe Royer led the Bearcats with a key touchdown catch.
• Rushing: Cincinnati’s Corey Kiner led all rushers with 94 yards on 17 carries, while Colorado’s Isaiah Augustave contributed 91 yards and a touchdown on 22 attempts.
• Receiving: Travis Hunter showcased his star power with two touchdown receptions and 78 yards, while Cincinnati’s Joe Royer led the Bearcats with a key touchdown catch.
Key Takeaways
Colorado: The Buffaloes continued to lean on the dynamic duo of Sanders and Hunter, who accounted for three touchdowns. The defense bent but didn’t break, holding Cincinnati to just three points in the third quarter and forcing key stops down the stretch.
Cincinnati: Despite a strong ground game led by Kiner and a valiant effort from Sorsby, the Bearcats couldn’t keep pace with Colorado’s high-powered offense. Missed opportunities, including a failed two-point conversion, proved costly.
Colorado improves to 10-2, solidifying its position as a top contender heading into the postseason. Cincinnati, now 6-5, faces an uphill battle as it looks to secure bowl eligibility in its final regular-season game.