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Kansas State football’s resilience reminiscent of 2022 Big 12 championship team

Published

2 hours ago

October 13, 2024

Kansas State football’s resilience reminiscent of 2022 Big 12 championship team

DJ Giddens wasn’t looking to send a personal message when he shredded Colorado’s defense Saturday night in a hard-fought 31-28 Kansas State football victory over the Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder.

But the Wildcats as a team were a different matter.

“Not me, but as a team we had something to prove, being able to go on the road in tight games and win,” Giddens, K-State’s workhorse running back said after rushing for 182 yards and helping set up the winning touchdown with a 35-yard reception late in the fourth quarter. “As it came to me personally, I didn’t have anything to prove.”

Perhaps not, but Giddens continued to make his case as an elite runner. And more to his point, K-State showed an inner strength that might have been lacking in tight games last year.

By escaping Boulder with the victory, the Wildcats now are 2-0 in one-possession games after going 1-4 under similar circumstances last year. On Sept. 7, they came from behind to beat Tulane, 31-27.

Kansas State football climbs in coaches poll, AP Top 25 after win at Colorado

Kansas State football running back DJ Giddens runs wild in first half

Kansas State football vs Colorado: Scouting report, prediction for Saturday night’s game

It took a quick three-play scoring drive capped by quarterback Avery Johnson’s 50-yard touchdown pass to Jayce Brown with 2 minutes, 14 seconds left, to put K-State ahead. And a defense decimated by injuries in the secondary, followed that with a defensive stop to seal the victory.

K-State is now 5-1 overall and tied for fourth in the Big 12 at 2-1, just a game behind co-leaders Iowa State, Brigham Young and Texas Tech at 3-0. And the victory ended the Wildcats’ four-game losing streak under coach Chris Klieman in weeks following a bye.

“Incredible game, a really good football game, like I think all of us knew it was going to be,” Klieman said. “A lot of adversity, and a lot of resilience.”

Indeed, K-State persevered despite an injury that briefly knocked out Johnson during a long scoring drive to start the second half. And on the subsequent Colorado scoring drive that cut the lead to 21-14, the Wildcats then having four different defensive backs go down. Colorado was not immune either, playing without star receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter and second-leading receiver Jimmy Horn in the second half.

Kansas State football’s defense laser focused on Shedeur Sanders and Colorado passing game

“We had talked. When your opportunity comes, we’re counting on you and we believe in you, and you’ve got to go out there and make plays,” Klieman said of a list of backups that included quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson and defensive backs Colby McCalister, Nickendre Stiger, Daniel Cobbs, true freshman Zashon Rich and Jordan Dunbar, among others. “And it was a chance for those guys to play a lot of snaps against really good wide receivers, even if a couple of their top guys were out.

“They’re still really good players and really good receivers, and the quarterback (Shedeur Sanders) can put it on the money. And so, I’m really proud of those guys.”

Super-senior defensive end Brendan Mott said he sees similarities in this team to the Wildcats of two years ago, who also had a propensity for winning close games.

“That’s something that I remember in our 2022 team when we won the Big 12 championship, is being able to have that depth and those young guys being able to step up and make plays, because that’s just part of football,” said Mott, who had two of the Wildcats’ six sacks of Sanders in the game. “Dudes are going to go down, and it’s next man up, and to see those young guys come in and make plays, it’s awesome.”

What Kansas State football coach, players said about Colorado coach Deion Sanders’ Buffs

Even with his top two receivers out, Sanders completed 34 of 40 passes for 388 yards and three touchdowns. But K-State’s defense stopped one Buffalo drive on VJ Payne’s interception near his own end zone in the fourth quarter, and then turned them over on downs to effectively end the game.

Johnson, who briefly went to the locker room for treatment in the third quarter before returning to finish the game, completed 15 of 23 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns. And after his fourth-quarter interception helped set up Colorado’s go-ahead score with 3:12 left, he immediately came back to engineer the winning drive.

“This is what football is all about,” Johnson said. “We wanted to put the game away the drive before. It obviously didn’t go our way, but ultimately you’ve just got to make plays in big moments.

“Coach Klieman challenged some of our captains and top players on the team to just make plays in big moments. It’s fun to play in hostile environments and just silence the crowd in big-time games. So, we just wanted to show tonight that we’re a great team and that we can win close games on the road.”

Arne Green is based in Salina and covers Kansas State University sports for the Gannett network. He can be reached at agreen@gannett.com or on Twitter at @arnegreen.

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Betting Odds for West Virginia vs. Kansas State

Published

10 hours ago

October 13, 2024

Press Room

Betting Odds for West Virginia vs. Kansas State

West Virginia failed to pull off the big upset of No. 11 Iowa State on Saturday, dropping their record on the year to 3-3 and 2-1 in Big 12 play. The loss also adds to the long list of defeats versus ranked opponents under head coach Neal Brown, who is now 3-16 against such teams.

The bad news? The Mountaineers will welcome in another top 25 next Saturday under the lights when they take on the Kansas State Wildcats. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Kansas State is a 2.5-point favorite with the over/under currently sitting at 53.5.

West Virginia is 2-4 against the spread in their last six games played.

The Mountaineers are 3-16 under head coach Neal Brown versus teams ranked in the Top 25.

WVU has lost eight straight games to ranked opponents.

West Virginia is 2-5 against the spread in their last seven games played in the month of October.

The total has remained under the number in four of West Virginia’s last six games against Kansas State at home.

Kansas State has won six of its last seven games.

The Wildcats are 3-6 against the spread in their last nine games, dating back to last season.

The Wildcats are 2-4 against the spread in their last six games played against West Virginia.

Kansas State has won 11 of its last 15 games played against Big 12 Conference opponents.

Kansas State is 2-5 in their last seven games played against West Virginia.

Odds Disclaimer

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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Colorado goes down fighting in 31-28 loss to No. 18 Kansas State

Published

18 hours ago

October 13, 2024

Press Room

Colorado goes down fighting in 31-28 loss to No. 18 Kansas State

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.

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Travis Hunter live stats: Colorado vs. Kansas State score, updates, highlights from 2024 college football game | Sporting News

Published

1 day ago

October 12, 2024

Press Room

Travis Hunter live stats: Colorado vs. Kansas State score, updates, highlights from 2024 college football game | Sporting News

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

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	F
Kansas State	0	–	–	–	–
Colorado	7	–	–	–	–

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.

Date	Opponent	Time (ET)
Oct. 19	at Arizona	4 p.m.
Oct. 26	vs. Cincinnati	TBD
Nov. 9	at Texas Tech	TBD
Nov. 16	vs. Utah	TBD
Nov. 23	at Kansas	TBD

Kansas State schedule 2024

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

Date	Opponent	Time (ET)
Oct. 19	at West Virginia	7:30 p.m.
Oct. 26	vs. Kansas	TBD
Nov. 2	at Houston	TBD
Nov. 16	vs. Arizona State	TBD
Nov. 23	vs. Cincinnati	TBD