Five reasons Colorado won't keep up with Kansas State in season finale

Five reasons Colorado won't keep up with Kansas State in season finaleStory byJack Freeman, Buffaloes WireSat, November 29, 2025 at 11:04 AM UTC·3 min read

Similar to the Colorado Buffaloes, the Kansas State Wildcats have not had the 2025 season they imagined.

Once thought of as Big 12 title contenders in the preseason, the Wildcats find themselves on the edge of a bowl berth at five wins, hosting the lowly 3-8 Buffaloes. While this game won't bring much flash or national hype on rivalry weekend, the result could dictate the direction both programs head in as they prepare for 2026 and beyond.

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We've found ways that the Buffaloes can steal this one away from the Wildcats, so here are five reasons why Colorado won't be able to keep up with Kansas State on Saturday.

Wanna see me run to the endzone? Wanna see me do it again?

Nov 1, 2025; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson (2) hands the ball to running back Joe Jackson (4) during the third quarter against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images

Colorado's defense has had its share of ups and downs in 2025, but one thing that has remained consistent is its inability to stop the run. The Buffs' defense gives up an average of 224 rushing yards per game, a mark that is near the bottom of the nation.

One issue for Colorado, then, is that the Wildcats love to run the ball, and they're good at it. Thanks to the two-headed monster of Avery Johnson and Joe Jackson, the Wildcats average 170 rushing yards per game. It's a recipe for the Buffs' defense ending up burned after four quarters.

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Running on empty

Oct 25, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) is pressured by Utah Utes defensive end Logan Fano (0) during the first quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

To that end, Colorado's offense has been abysmal since its last win, scoring only 63 points in its four games, and a majority of those points came in one game. Meanwhile, Kansas State has racked up 40 or more points in four of its last five games. The Wildcats should have their way on offense, meaning the Buffs' offense will have to keep up in a shootout, which they haven't done all season.

It's not like Mama's cooking

Oct 25, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes linebacker Trey Reynolds (37) reacts to a tackle of Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) during the first quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

In all four of their losing efforts on the road this season, the Buffaloes have been outscored 153-70. While the blowout Utah loss slightly skews that result, it's still a staggering figure. Especially in the second half, Colorado has not been able to keep pace with their opponents on the road, a troubling sign for what should be a shootout. With Kaidon Salter being thrust back into the starting role, there should be plenty of doubt that those outcomes will change.

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Clean sheet

Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson (2) throws a pass against Rutgers during second half of the Rate Bowl at Chase Field on Dec. 26, 2024, in Phoenix.

In every game against a quality opponent, the Buffs have kept close; their secret has been turnovers. Against Georgia Tech and Arizona State, they forced four turnovers, giving their offense ample opportunities to strike from short fields. Unfortunately, the Wildcats don't turn the ball over much and excel at taking it away from opponents. Their turnover ratio is one of the best in the nation and signals trouble for the Buffs.

It just means more

Feb 11, 2025; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; A Kansas State Wildcats fan holds up a “Go Home” sign before the start of a game against the Arizona Wildcats at Bramlage Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images

It's been said before, but it bears repeating: Kansas State is playing for a lot. Another week with teammates, friends and coaches is invaluable, especially when it can culminate in a trophy. A bowl game would be a much-needed consolation prize for the Wildcats, and the Buffs have nothing to play for but stopping them from that. Colorado has already started thinking about 2026, which will make it hard to win games in 2025.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Kansas State keys to victory vs. Colorado football

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