Nov 203 min read

No. 16 Colorado Buffaloes to be Tested by Kansas Jayhawks

Shedeur Sanders Colorado Buffaloes — © Ron Chenoy/USA TODAY SPORTS

The No. 16 Colorado Buffaloes (8-2, 6-1 Big 12 Conference) will be traveling to Kansas City, Mo. to face off against the red-hot Kansas Jayhawks (4-6, 3-4 in Big 12) at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Nov. 23.

Postseason Hopes on the Line

For both teams, this game looms large over their postseason dreams. Colorado looks to continue its quest for the Big 12 Championship after being counted out by multiple media pundits in the preseason. A Big 12 Championship victory could end up putting the Buffaloes in the College Football Playoff, which just a select few people predicted might happen at the beginning of the season.

The Jayhawks are 4-6 and one more loss dashes their hopes of bowl eligibility. This Kansas team has had a slew of bad luck this season, but their luck may have turned around with two straight ranked wins. If it can get a third one here, then expect Kansas to be flying high when it enters Waco, Texas for the final regular-season game against the Baylor Bears (6-4, 4-3 Big 12) to salvage their season.

Key Players: Colorado Buffaloes

Colorado has one of the best passing offenses in the country, throwing for 322.2 yards per game and ranking No. 7 in the land. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Travis Hunter are the biggest contributors to that success. They will go against Kansas, one of the toughest secondaries in the land, to truly test their mettle.

Shedeur Sanders, Quarterback

If you don't know the name of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders' son by now, then you've probably been living under a rock. Sanders is the whole package, passing for 3,222 yards, a 72.9 percent completion percentage and 27 touchdowns.

He also is a threat with his legs, scoring four rushing TDs on the season. Kansas struggles against running QBs. If Sanders can't crack this secondary, then maybe he'll be able to crack the rushing defense that allows 150.7 yards per game.

Travis Hunter, Cornerback/Wide Receiver

You can't talk about Colorado without talking about its Heisman Trophy candidate. Hunter is just 89 yards away from a 1,000-yard receiving season and has 10 TDs from scrimmage.

What makes Hunter special, though, is his prowess on both sides of the ball. Hunter has eight pass deflections, 23 tackles and three INTs on the season. He will need to be on his A-Game on both sides of the ball. Hunter faces a sneaky-good wide receiver group and a QB who is finding his rhythm and poise again in Kansas' Jalon Daniels.

Key Players: Kansas Jayhawks

The Jayhawks are finding their rhythm late this season, but have found a good stride. It makes them especially dangerous this late in the season. Here are the guys that can help them continue to play spoiler.

Devin Neal, Running Back

Colorado's rush defense has improved over the season but still sits at giving up 138.7 yards per game. The Kansas backfield is one of the best in the land, rushing for about 200 yards a game on average.

Neal is one of the best running backs in Kansas history, rushing for over 4,000 career yards and holding the school record for rushing yardage and TDs. Sitting at 926 carries and 12 TDs this season, Neal proves to be a force to be reckoned with and will give Colorado fits if they do not stop him early.

Mello Dotson, Cornerback

Kansas has a stacked secondary that can slow down this dynamic Buffaloes' passing game well if it comes prepared. Dotson has emerged as its leader.

Dotson has 41 tackles, 5 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, 5 INTs and two TDs. He leads the nation among all active players in Pick-6s and will be on the hunt for more in this big-time matchup.

Can the Jayhawks Stay Hot?

Kansas matches up well with the Buffaloes. Its strong secondary counters a strong passing attack and a strong run game to pick on a mediocre run defense. A win against the No. 14 BYU Cougars (9-1, 6-1 Big 12) on Nov. 16 has the Jayhawks riding high and has announced their presence as spoilers in the Big 12.

This being said, Colorado is hot as well and will give the Jayhawks all they can handle. It will come down to who is more dependable in close games. This one will likely prove to be a shootout. Colorado has been more consistent in their resolve. Thus, the prediction here is that the Buffaloes win in a tight one, 31-28.