The Colorado Buffaloes went to Arrowhead Stadium with complete control of their Big 12 Championship hopes. But the Kansas Jayhawks had different plans. KU had beaten ranked teams in back-to-back weeks for the first time in program history, and was looking to make it three-straight. And that’s exactly what they did with a 37-21 win over the Buffaloes on Saturday afternoon.
For Kansas, they led from start to finish after entering the game as a slight underdog against a Colorado team that was playing some of the best football in the country the last few weeks. Here are the three biggest takeaways from KU’s win.
Kansas’ Power Run Game
Kansas decided they were going to make Colorado try to stop their ground game, and the Buffaloes were simply unable to do it. Colorado entered the game 2nd in the Big 12 in rushing yards allowed per carry (3.5). But the KU coaching staff clearly saw something they could take advantage of and that’s exactly what they did, led by Devin Neal, who had 37 carries for 207 yards and three touchdowns, plus a receiving touchdown in his final game in front of the home fans. As a team, KU rushed for 331 yards, good for 5.8 yards per carry.
Neal became the first Kansas football player ever to have three 1,000-yard seasons in his career, and the KU faithful were clearly showing their appreciation on Saturday afternoon on Senior Day.
After the game, teammate Cobee Bryant said about Neal, “I just seen those numbers, man; it’s crazy. That’s a great football player. I’m proud of that man.”
Neal’s decision to stay home as a Lawrence native and help turn around his hometown program should never be overlooked.
Colorado’s Defense Bullied Every Way
Not only did Colorado struggle against the rush, they also couldn’t get the pass defense figured out. Shilo Sanders was flagged twice and gave up several big plays, while the Buffaloes were bullied up front by the Kansas offensive line. Colorado was flagged eight times for 65 yards, which was above their seasons average.
Colorado came in first in the Big 12 in sacks, but only got to Jalon Daniels once on the day. Kansas’ passing attack didn’t have huge numbers (it didn’t need to), but Jalon Daniels was effective, throwing for 189 yards on 14 completions, with one touchdown pass on the day.
But the defense clearly got worn down as KU owned the time of possession at over 40 minutes. After the Buffaloes closed within 23-21 on Travis Hunter’s second TD catch, the Jayhawks marched 80 yards with Neal answering the score on a 3-yard run that capped off a 10-play, 80-yard drive.
Postseason Implications
First for KU, the Jayhawks could make a bowl game for a third consecutive season. The Jayhawks need to beat Baylor in their regular-season finale, which would be their season-ending fifth straight win, to get to another bowl game,
Meantime for Colorado, at 6-2 in league play, they’ll likely need help to get to the Big 12 Championship Game. The good news is that they’re still tied with BYU at 6-2, who also lost on Saturday against Arizona State. The Sun Devils are 6-2 as well.
But Colorado still needs a lot of help to reach the Big 12 Championship Game. They have to beat Oklahoma State on Friday, while also needing Iowa State to lose to Utah this week or K-State next week, and BYU to lose to Houston.
Or, if Colorado beats Oklahoma State and Arizona State loses in Week 14, Colorado would need Iowa State or BYU to lose still to make the title game.
