Kansas
No. 16 Colorado heads to Kansas searching for crucial win for Big 12 title game aspirations
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — No. 16 Colorado heads to Arrowhead Stadium to face Kansas on Saturday knowing full well where it stands in the Big 12 picture.
Beat the Jayhawks and conference bottom-dweller Oklahoma State and the Buffaloes will be playing for the title. Lose to Kansas and everything changes: They would need Arizona State and Iowa State to lose at least one more game, or BYU to lose its last two, and that would take their College Football Playoff aspirations out of their own hands.
Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders doesn’t sound as if there is any extra pressure on this weekend.
“Look at me, man. Do I look like I subscribe to pressure or do I look like I apply it?” Sanders asked. “We apply pressure.”
In the new-look and jumbled Big 12, the Buffaloes (8-2, 6-1) are tied in the standings with the Cougars, but they are just a game ahead of Arizona State and Iowa State — and curiously enough, did not play any of the three. And while the Jayhawks (4-6, 3-4) are well off the pace, by virtue of a dizzying stretch of last-second losses, they might be playing the best of anyone.
Kansas knocked off then-No. 17 Iowa State before dealing then-No. 6 BYU its first loss on the road last weekend. The back-to-back wins over ranked teams are a first in school history, and the Jayhawks would love to make it three straight on Saturday.
“They have not given up, regardless of what their record may state,” Sanders said. “The last two weeks, they’ve knocked some people off their feet. It’s going to be a tremendous task for us. (Lance Leipold) is going to have those guys ready to play. We’re going to be in an environment that’s not conducive to us being successful in Kansas City.”
Colorado wide receiver Drelon Miller scores a touchdown after catching a pass against Utah in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Boulder, Colo. Credit: AP/David Zalubowski
Arrowhead Stadium
Kansas, which is playing its home finale Saturday, has been playing Big 12 games at Arrowhead Stadium while their on-campus stadium is renovated. Sanders played there once with the Falcons, returning kickoffs in a 14-3 loss on Sept. 1, 1991. He also played at neighboring Kauffman Stadium, home of the Royals, going 3 for 13 in three games with the Yankees in 1990.
“I’m not as young as I once were,” Sanders said, “but I look forward to going there.”
Senior day
Kansas will be sending off 30 seniors in its home finale Saturday, many of whom were instrumental in taking the program from a winless laughingstock in 2020 to bowl games each of the past two seasons. Leipold is wary about focusing too much on the emotional sendoff when there is still a game to be played, and two wins needed to reach a third straight bowl game.
“It becomes an emotional drain, especially right before kickoff sometimes, so hopefully that’ll be a small positive of not being in Lawrence,” Leipold said. “I don’t want to take anything away from the guys, but if we can balance those things with what the day is, hopefully we can make a special day.”
Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter, front, jokes with teammates as he waits with quarterback Shedeur Sanders to do a television interview after an NCAA college football game against Utah Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Boulder, Colo. Credit: AP/David Zalubowski
Award watch
Sanders interrupted a question this week after being reminded of how he said earlier this season that his son and quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, and two-way Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter would be top picks in the upcoming NFL draft.
“A lot of people didn’t believe me, huh? Remember I said Travis and Shedeur have the opportunity (at) one and two?” he said. “Everybody just pulled out a double-barrel shotgun and shot at me when I said that, right? Now it’s all coming to light.”
Sanders has thrown 27 touchdown passes, one away from Sefo Liufau’s school record. Hunter is coming off a game in which the cornerback and wide receiver played 132 snaps — he has 74 catches for 911 yards and nine TDs, along with three picks.
Fast friends
Sanders and Leipold might at first seem like the most unlikely of buddies, given one was a Hall of Fame player and two-sport star while the other fought his way through the coaching ranks, beginning at Division III school Wisconsin-Whitewater. Yet when the Buffaloes joined the Big 12, Leipold reached out to Sanders and they became fast friends.
“I love him to life. He’s a friend,” Sanders said. “For these guys to, on their own account, reach out to me, to show me love and respect is tremendous.”
Kansas
Three reasons why Kansas State will win; three reasons why Kansas State will lose vs. Colorado
Kansas State has one final chance to become bowl eligible. That’s Saturday against visiting Colorado.
The Wildcats have tremendous motivation to defeat Colorado and become bowl eligible. K-State has never won three straight bowl games, something that could be in play with a win over the Buffaloes as a starting point.
Another goal: K-State hasn’t had four consecutive Big 12 seasons with a winning record since 2011 to 2014. A win over Colorado would improve the Wildcats’ conference record to 5-4.
“We’ve got to try and win for these seniors,” K-State coach Chris Klieman said at a news conference this week.
“I’ve been a part of it and have seen it where you don’t win your Senior Day game, and that’s a tough locker room.
“Been a part of it where you win that game, whether it’s the last game of the season or not, and that lasting effect for those kids to be on the field and come into the locker room where they’ve spent so much time with some euphoria of winning the game is something special.”
Last Saturday, 13th-ranked Utah outscored the Wildcats, 30-16 in the second half, and scored the final 16 points of the game in the final seven minutes to take the victory. Final score: Utah 51, Kansas State 47.
Kansas State is 5-6, 4-4 Big 12. Colorado is 3-8, 1-7. Kickoff is 11 a.m. CT. K-State is a 17.5-point favorite.
For every game, we will give you three reasons the Wildcats will win, and three reasons they won’t.
In a season gone sideways, the Wildcats have plenty to play for, as mentioned above. K-State started the season ranked 17th in the AP Top 25 Preseason Poll. Ambitions ran high, with a possible Big 12 title game berth, a shot at the College Football Playoff.
That’s all gone, but K-State has plenty to play for, and before a big home crowd Saturday, the Wildcats will get the job done.
The sophomore running back was awesome against Utah. He rushed for 293 yards, a school record, on 24 carries. He had touchdown runs of 66, 80 and 24 yards. He was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week, and the Wildcats’ offensive line was named the Big 12’s offensive line of the week by the conference.
“It was next level,” Klieman said. “It was something that hadn’t been done to that group at Utah for a long, long time.”
Jackson broke the school record, by one yard, owned by Darren Sproles against Louisiana in 2004. Sproles is elite company.
The Wildcats rushed for a school-record 472 yards, the most by a Division I team in a losing effort since Army ran for 534 against North Texas in a 52-49 loss on Nov. 18, 2017.
K-State is tied among Power 4 teams with seven one-score games. But the Wildcats have only won two of them. Last season, the Wildcats won 4-of-6 one-score games.
When these teams met last season at Boulder, K-State scored on a 50-yard touchdown pass from Avery Johnson to Jayce Brown with 2:14 to play. Then, the defense stopped the Buffaloes for a 31-28 victory.
K-State has fresh memories of last season’s thrilling victory. Those emotions, plus superior talent should carry the Wildcats to victory.
Colorado was 9-4 in 2024, as Deion Sanders hype overtook the nation. This year, with quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter in the NFL, it’s back to reality for the Buffaloes. And a hard reality it is.
Colorado is coming off a 42-17 loss to defending Big 12 champion Arizona State.
The Buffaloes have lost 6-of-7 games, the only win over No. 22 Iowa State, 24-17. Iowa State has had a rough second half of its season but the Buffaloes’ win shows they still have the capacity to pull an upset.
Colorado will start Kaidon Salter, who was the starter at the beginning of the season. Julian Lewis started the last two games but he decided to take a redshirt.
Switching quarterbacks to one with less experience often is asking for trouble. In Salter, the Buffaloes have a seasoned hand at the position.
Salter has thrown for 1,242 yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions. He has completed 113-of-178 passes (63.1 percent). He provides a threat to run the ball, too. He is the Buffaloes’ second-leading rusher with 293 yards and has the most rushing touchdowns with five.
Sanders is known as a master motivator. It’s Colorado’s final game of a lost season. Deion will pull out every motivational tactic he has gathered over a two-sport career in the NFL and Major League Baseball.
Maybe the Buffaloes can keep the score close in the second half and come out blazing in the season half.
The winner: Kansas State should be too much for a struggling Colorado team. K-State 34, Colorado 17.
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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Kansas
Northwest Kansas to see chance of snow during busy travel weekend
Hays Post
Today and Thanksgiving Day, the forecast calls for sunny skies and highs in the 40s.
However, after a high of 50 on Friday, a cold front is forecast to move in with a 20 percent chance of showers after midnight in Hays.
The National Weather Service calls for a chance of rain and snow showers before noon Saturday, and then a slight chance of snow showers. The high is forecast to be near 43, with wind. The chance of precipitation is 30%.
The forecast calls for a 20% chance of snow showers on Sunday, a 30% chance of snow showers on Sunday night, and a 20% chance of snow showers on Monday, with a high of 33.
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The Kansas Department of Transportation issued the following press release today about the upcoming weather and travel precautions.
Kansas Department of Transportation
Early weather forecasts from different weather services are showing the possibility of inclement weather affecting parts of Kansas as well as several northern and western states this holiday weekend.
If inclement weather does impact the highways, the Kansas Department of Transportation is ready to treat roadways as needed. KDOT employees have been preparing since September: Salt, sand and brine materials have been ordered, trucks and other equipment have undergone preventive maintenance and crews have completed training courses.
“Whatever the obstacle, KDOT crew members work together and find a way to get the job done,” said Director of Field Operations Ron Hall. “Our crews always do their best to serve the public in their efforts to clear the highways.”
Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed shared a reminder for all travelers: “Check on road conditions and weather forecasts in advance and possibly delay travel plans. It’s important to stay informed, plan ahead and travel safe.”
Resources and safety reminders for motorists:
- Road conditions: Before traveling, check KanDrive.gov, KDOT’s road condition website, which is available 24/7 and provides camera views to see current conditions. Travelers can also download the KanDrive app in the App Store or Google Play.
- Keep an eye on forecasts: Forecasts will change up to and throughout the holiday weekend. Check weather sources for updated forecasts.
- Emergency kit: Motorists are reminded to travel with a stocked emergency kit in their vehicle.
- Emergency contacts: Travelers who are stranded or need assistance can call the Kansas Highway Patrol dispatch at *47 or the Kansas Turnpike Authority at *KTA if using the turnpike. If it’s an emergency, call 911.
Kansas maintains about 9,500 miles of highways, including more than 25,000 total lane and ramp miles. Clearing snow from these highways takes time, especially while the snow is still falling.
Secretary Reed emphasized the importance of safety for the crews working to keep roads open.
“KDOT employees work challenging 12-hour shifts to remove snow and ice from the highways,” said Secretary Reed. “Don’t drive in their blind spots and give them space to work so they can focus on the job.”
Kansas
Syracuse’s upset bid comes up short again as Kansas pulls away late
Las Vegas ― For the second day in a row, the Syracuse Orange fought toe-to-toe with a heavily favored opponent, only to come up short of a big win.
One day after dropping a 78-74 overtime decision to No. 3 Houston, Syracuse fell 71-60 to Kansas on the second day of the Players Era Festival at the MGM Grand’s Garden Arena.
Making Syracuse’s performances even more remarkable is the Orange played without leading scorer Donnie Freeman, who is out with an injury to his right foot.
Kansas pulled away late, outscoring Syracuse 19 to 10 over the game’s final six minutes.
Syracuse’s record fell to 4-2 with the loss. The Orange will now wait to see if it plays on either Wednesday or Thursday, in addition to which team it will face in the final round of games of the Players Era Festival.
Players Era Festival Day 2: Syracuse vs Kansas
Tyler Betsey led Syracuse with 12 points, but the sophomore forward was 4-for-13 from the field. JJ Starling was 3-for-13 en route to his 10 points.
Syracuse couldn’t find any consistency on offense the entire game.
The Orange made field goals on consecutive possessions just once; on its first two possessions of the game.
After that, Syracuse’s scoring came in a herky-jerky fashion. There was never any flow or rhythm.
The Orange’s offensive problems weren’t helped by its continued poor shooting from the foul line. After making only 12 out of 29 free throws in Monday’s overtime loss to Houston, Syracuse went 13-for-23 at the line against Kansas. Some of those misses came on the front end of one-and-one opportunities, costing the Orange more points.
Kansas, on the other hand, went 18-for-20 at the free throw line.
But the Orange scrapped and clawed and somehow stayed in the game.
After trailing by nine points at halftime, Syracuse trimmed Kansas’ lead down to 46-40 on Kiyan Anthony’s three-point play with 13 minutes remaining.
Syracuse could have made it closer but failed to score on two straight possessions, including one that offered two chances to score, but Nate Kingz missed a 3-pointer and Naithan George couldn’t convert in the lane on the follow-up.
However, Syracuse, which had struggled to find consistent scoring for most of the game, went cold again. Two empty Syracuse possessions were bracketed by a Kansas 3-pointer and another traditional three-point play, giving the Jayhawks a 52-41 lead.
Syracuse refused to go away though. Orange center William Kyle fought his way to an offensive rebound and then slammed the ball back through a bruised rim. Then Starling swished a 3-pointer and, suddenly, the Kansas lead was down to 52-47.
Betsey, who had been cold all night, got the Orange to within 52-50 with a 3-pointer at the 6-minute mark.
But Kansas responded with an 11-0 run to which Syracuse had no answer.
Kansas and Syracuse both played without their star players. SU’s Freeman is out with an injured right foot, while Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson, who many project as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, is dealing with hamstring issues.
Kansas entered Tuesday’s game unranked with a 4-2 record. However, KenPom.com rated the Jayhawks, whose losses came against North Carolina and Duke, at No. 22.
The Syracuse players lacked the physical energy and mental sharpness that they displayed in Monday’s near-upset of Houston.
Kansas took a 34-25 halftime lead after holding Syracuse to 31% field goal shooting and crushing the Orange on the boards with 26 rebounds to just 11 for SU. The Orange was fortunate that Kansas only turned those extra opportunities into 12 points.
The Orange struggled to score against Kansas, especially when attacking the basket. The Syracuse players kept running into Kansas big men Flory Bidunga and Bryce Tiller.
When Syracuse couldn’t create any good looks, the Orange settled for 3-pointers. For the half, Syracuse went 3-for-12 from long rang. Betsey, who made four 3-pointers against Houston, made only one of his seven shots from outside the 3-point line in the first half on Tuesday.
Syracuse’s defense, which was so aggressive and quick against Houston, seemed a step slower against Kansas. The Jayhawks made 14 of their 29 field goal attempts in the first half.
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