The Colorado Buffaloes faced a tough setback in a dramatic 31-28 loss to No. 18 Kansas State on Saturday night. The defeat ended Colorado’s three-game winning streak and put a dent in their pursuit of a Big 12 title. The game, marked by wild swings of momentum and key injuries, leaves questions about the team’s future, especially with the loss of their two-way star, Travis Hunter, who left the game in the second quarter with a shoulder injury.

Hunter’s absence on defense became evident quickly as Kansas State capitalized by scoring on their first three offensive possessions without him. They notched two touchdowns and a 48-yard field goal, putting Colorado in an early hole. Kansas State’s dual-threat quarterback, Avery Johnson, bounced back from an earlier interception to lead his team to victory, throwing a late 50-yard touchdown pass to Jayce Brown that sealed the win.

For Colorado, Shedeur Sanders showed resilience, nearly engineering a second-straight comeback. After falling behind 21-7, Sanders led the Buffaloes to take a brief 28-24 lead late in the game, thanks to an 11-yard touchdown pass to LaJohntay Wester. However, Kansas State responded swiftly, with Johnson’s three-play, 84-yard touchdown drive that gave the Wildcats the lead for good. Kansas State’s ability to regain control in the face of Colorado’s comeback attempts demonstrated their resilience.

The game also showcased standout individual performances. Kansas State running back DJ Giddens rushed for 182 yards, becoming the first tailback this season to eclipse 100 yards against the Buffaloes. Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders had a strong outing despite the loss, completing 34-of-40 passes for 388 yards and three touchdowns, though his interception near the goal line in the fourth quarter was a turning point.

Injuries plagued Colorado throughout the game. Beyond Hunter’s shoulder injury, receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. left the game in the second quarter, and Omarion Miller was helped off the field in the fourth quarter after a 51-yard reception. These key losses hindered Colorado’s ability to execute late in the game, especially on defense.

Kansas State’s win improved their record to 5-1, while Colorado dropped to 4-2. Despite the loss, Colorado remains 2-1 in Big 12 Conference play and now looks ahead to a crucial road game against Arizona. The Buffs will need to regroup, but the lingering uncertainty around Hunter’s injury status and the mounting injury concerns could present further challenges in their quest for a Big 12 title.

One of college football’s brightest stars will be back on the field for a prime-time matchup Saturday night.

As Colorado prepares to face its first ranked opponent of the 2024 season in No. 18 Kansas State, two-way star Travis Hunter will be looking to make a statement on a big stage. Projected to be one of the NFL’s top prospects come April — potentially even the No. 1 selection — Hunter has put together a Heisman Trophy case through five games.

On the offensive side of the ball, Hunter is tied for third in college football in receptions (46) and ranks ninth in receiving yards (561) while scoring six touchdowns. Those kind of numbers would already make him one of the top players in the country — and then you remember that he also plays cornerback.

Defensively, Hunter has 15 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble this season. The Buffaloes are 4-1 so far, including wins in each of their last three games, and Hunter’s been at the center of all the action.

In a thrilling win over Baylor just weeks ago, Hunter forced a massive fumble in overtime just as the Bears were about to break the plane into the end zone. The wide receiver/cornerback hybrid has a flair for the big moments — as does his quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, and the rest of Deion Sanders’ squad — and he’s become arguably the most exciting player to watch in college football.

Colorado will be lining up against Kansas State, which is 4-1 this season. Its only loss came to BYU, but the Wildcats have also taken down two opponents ranked No. 20 at the time of their matchup; in Week 3, they beat Arizona 31-7, and last week, they beat Oklahoma State 42-20.

Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson has posted 879 passing yards and nine touchdowns against four interceptions this season, while running back DJ Giddens has led the way for the Wildcats with 604 rushing yards and three total touchdowns. Kansas State will present a tough challenge for the Buffaloes on Saturday, even on their home turf.

The Sporting News is tracking live scoring updates and highlights from Colorado vs. Kansas State on Saturday, including Hunter’s stats throughout the contest. Follow along with the action below.

MORE: Travis Hunter goes No. 1 in updated 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Colorado vs. Kansas State score

NCAAF HQ: Live NCAAF scores | Updated NCAAF standings | Full NCAAF schedule

Travis Hunter stats vs. Kansas State

• Receptions:
• Receiving yards:
• AVG:
• TDs:
• Tackles:
• Passed defended:
• INTs:

Colorado vs. Kansas State live updates, highlights from Week 7 college football matchup

All times ET

10:55 p.m. — Avery Johnson is sacked on first down, but he responds with a 12-yard completion to Edwards on 3rd & 16. Kansas State is going for it on fourth down at the Colorado eight-yard line.

10:51 p.m. — Make it four carries for 38 yards for Giddens, who runs for 20 yards on 3rd & 3.

10:48 p.m. — The offense has picked up on both sides, as Johnson completes a pass to Dylan Edwards for nine yards, then running back DJ Giddens picks up 14 yards to enter Colorado territory.

Colorado 7, Kansas State 0

10:42 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Colorado gets on the board first. Sanders hits Wester on 3rd & 8, and the receiver puts a move on for a 25-yard score. The Buffaloes take a 7-0 lead at home.

TOUCHDOWN LAJOHNTAY WESTER!!! #SkoBuffs pic.twitter.com/qfKp8sleIq

— GUCCE🦬🐦‍⬛ (@gucceCU) October 13, 2024

10:39 p.m. — Sanders’ pass on third down is incomplete, but the Buffaloes go for it on 4th & 7 at the Kansas State 35-yard line. They convert with an eight-yard pass to LaJohntay Wester.

10:37 p.m. — Shedeur Sanders begins Colorado’s second drive with a nine-yard completion to Dallan Hayden.

10:33 p.m. — Avery Johnson is called for intentional grounding on 3rd & 8, and both sides punt on their first drives. 

10:29 p.m. — The Buffaloes go three-and-out to begin this matchup. For those looking to watch on ESPN, Florida vs. Tennessee will wrap up on the channel first, and Kansas State vs. Colorado will be live on ESPNEWS to start. 

10:27 p.m. — Colorado will receive the opening kickoff.

10:24 p.m. — With kickoff in just a few minutes, here’s a look at the Buffaloes’ uniforms tonight:

Taking the field pic.twitter.com/quuTIvW8ea

— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) October 13, 2024

10:22 p.m. — With the final minutes of Florida vs. Tennessee still on ESPN, the broadcast says that Kansas State vs. Colorado is expected to kick off at 10:25 p.m. 

9:58 p.m. — Kickoff is approaching. Here’s some looks at Kansas State warming up for this high-profile game:

Under the lights pic.twitter.com/ZZUKe8CoIB

— K-State Football (@KStateFB) October 13, 2024

9:12 p.m. — Travis Hunter was out signing some autographs for Colorado fans ahead of tonight’s matchup:

agreed 🤝 pic.twitter.com/WxHiqOwv8Z

— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) October 13, 2024

Colorado vs. Kansas State start time

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 12
• Time: 10:15 p.m. ET

The Buffaloes and Wildcats will kickoff on Saturday at 10:15 p.m. ET. The game will be played at Folsom Field in Colorado.

MORE: Where Travis Hunter ranks in the 2024 Heisman Trophy odds 

What channel is Colorado vs. Kansas State on today?

• TV channel: ESPN
• Live stream: Fubo

Colorado vs. Kansas State will air nationally on ESPN. Fans looking to stream the game can turn to Fubo, which offers a free trial to new users. 

Colorado schedule 2024

Below is a look at Colorado’s next five games after Saturday’s matchup.

Kansas State schedule 2024

Following their game against the Buffaloes, here’s a look at the Wildcats’ upcoming schedule.

Deion Sanders is fully aware of the significance of Saturday night’s Big 12 matchup against the 18th-ranked Kansas State Wildcats. During his appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay, Sanders highlighted a critical area that will determine the outcome: tackling. He emphasized that Colorado cannot afford missed tackles or undisciplined penalties, especially against a team as well-coached and disciplined as Kansas State.

“We got to tackle,” Sanders stated, making it clear that missed tackles could be a game-changer. He stressed the need for discipline, noting that the Wildcats are not a heavily penalized team, and Colorado must match that level of discipline. Pre-snap penalties are particularly harmful “We can’t have those type of penalties. It’s ignorant and idiotic,” Sanders said. He is determined that his team must avoid beating themselves with careless mistakes.

Reflecting on a tough loss to Nebraska over a month ago, Sanders acknowledged that the defeat was a turning point for his team. “We got our butts kicked, and we analyzed it. We needed that butt kicking,” he said, admitting that some players may have started believing the hype surrounding them. The loss exposed vulnerabilities and served as a necessary wake-up call. Sanders believes that adversity has only strengthened the Buffaloes, pushing them to step up their game and avoid complacency.

Colorado’s defense, one of the best in the country in terms of run defense, has yet to allow a 100-yard rusher this season. This impressive stat will be tested against a tough Kansas State offense, but Sanders is confident his team is prepared. With discipline, execution, and a relentless mindset, he expects his players to rise to the occasion.

The Buffaloes will host Kansas State under the lights at Folsom Field, with kickoff set for 10:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.