Nothing about the Colorado Buffaloes' 2025 season has gone to plan. From the quarterback mishaps to injuries in the secondary, the Buffs have battled through adversity, and all they have to show for it is a 3-8 record.
With their final game of the season on tap against the Kansas State Wildcats, there is no postseason chase or stardom hype for the Buffaloes in this game. However, the team is filled with players looking toward the next level, who get one final chance to show off their abilities on Saturdays.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMaybe that's enough, or maybe one of these five other keys could propel Colorado to a victory over Kansas State this weekend.
Salt the earth
Oct 11, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) carries in the first quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesWith no Julian Lewis, Liberty transfer quarterback Kaidon Salter reassumes the helm of the Buffaloes for their final game of the season. No matter your feelings on the senior, the Buffs will need him to step up if they have any chance of hanging with Kansas State's offense.
So far, Salter has proved he can do that with his legs. In his best game as a Buff against Iowa State, Salter racked up 57 yards rushing on nine attempts, and while that might not seem like a lot, it made the difference. His running ability kept the defense off balance and allowed guys like Dallan Hayden to have one of their best days.
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Nov 22, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Makari Vickers (10) tackles Arizona State Sun Devils running back Raleek Brown (3) in the first quarter at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesLast week was yet another disaster in terms of run defense, allowing 255 yards to Raleek Brown on just 22 carries, but they've got to be better this week. Kansas State averages 166 rushing yards per game, and they're going to attack the Buffs' front-7. Colorado has proven they can stop a forceful rushing attack against West Virginia, but they'll need to be at their best discipline to come out with a win.
I never check my mirrors
Nov 22, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Sincere Brown (9) runs down the sidelines in the fourth quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesThe most frustrating thing about last week's loss to Arizona State was the turnovers. Colorado forced four of them and got just three points out of them. It speaks to something that the Buffs have struggled with all season: taking control of games. On the road with your opponent fighting for a bowl game, it's already an uphill battle, and so it's key that Colorado establishes an identity and scores early. The offense has to capitalize on every possession and slam the door on the Wildcats.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWho wants leftovers?
Aug 29, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes cornerback Preston Hodge (4) reacts to a turnover in the first quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesThe Buffaloes' defense has forced four turnovers twice this season, and hasn't won either of those games. A tough pill to swallow for sure, but those turnovers kept them in games with quality-ranked opponents when they should have been getting blown out. It's almost trivial to say a defense forcing turnovers would help them, but the group needs to maintain momentum and not roll over at the Wildcats' rushing attack.
Finding your 'Why?'
Nov 1, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesKansas State is playing for a bowl game, so their job is easy; all 80-plus players on that team are playing for one thing and one thing only. For Colorado, the team's success can quickly become secondary once postseason hopes die, and it'll be Deion Sanders' job to maintain a culture. Unlocking why every one of those players will run out on the field and fight till the last snap will be critical to the team's success. Whether it's dreams of the next level, a starting spot next year, or the person next to you, getting the team playing for something is the only hope the Buffs have at matching the Wildcats' intensity.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football keys vs. Kansas State
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