COLORADO BUFFALOES (4-1, 2-0 Massive 12)
vs. No. 18 KANSAS STATE WILDCATS (4-1, 1-1)
BOULDER — Midway by the season, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes have a crossroads second on their plate.
If the Buffs can knock off No. 18 Kansas State on nationwide tv Saturday night time, the payoff will likely be vital. The Buffs will stay among the many Massive 12 groups with unbeaten convention data, may very possible discover themselves within the subsequent prime 25 ballot — and maybe most significantly, will ship a message that they’re authentic contenders for a Massive 12 title and the Faculty Soccer Playoff berth that goes with it.
The Wildcats are the Buffs’ greatest take a look at but this yr. They boast a balanced offense that leans on an influence dashing assault (252 yards per sport) and so they have a stable protection that has given up greater than 27 factors simply as soon as.
However the Buffaloes are coming off their finest efficiency of the yr, a 48-21 thumping of UCF that noticed the offense put up huge numbers and the protection produce two enormous crimson zone stops, 5 sacks and 4 takeaways.
Whoever leaves Folsom Discipline late Saturday night time with the win will likely be seen as a Massive 12 contender. The loser can have work to do.
The nuts and bolts:
KICKOFF: 8:25 p.m. (MT), Folsom Discipline (50,183)
TV, RADIO: The sport will likely be televised by ESPN with Mark Jones and Roddy Jones within the sales space and Quint Kessenich on the sidelines. The radio broadcast will likely be carried on the Colorado Soccer Radio Community with Voice of the Buffs Mark Johnson and Gary Barnett within the sales space. Radio protection begins at 6:15 p.m.
ON THE INTERNET: The sport might be heard on the web at CUBuffs.com. Dwell statistics may even be obtainable at CUBuffs.com.
THE COACHES: Faculty soccer and NFL Corridor of Famer Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders is in his second yr at Colorado, the place he has an 8-9 document. Previous to coming to CU, he coached three seasons at Jackson State, the place he compiled a 27-6 document. Chris Klieman is in his sixth yr at Okay-State, the place he has compiled a 43-25 document. He’s 115-38 total as a head coach, along with his earlier cease being North Dakota State.
THE SERIES: That is the 67th assembly between the outdated Massive Eight and Massive 12 rivals however the first since 2010. The Buffs lead the all-time collection 45-20-1, together with a 28-5 mark in Boulder.
WHAT’S AT STAKE: The winner will proceed to be talked about among the many record of Massive 12 contenders.
TEAM LEADERS: Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders has thrown for 1,630 yards and 14 touchdowns. Colorado has 4 receivers with double-digit receptions, led by two-way star Travis Hunter (46 catches, 561 yards, six touchdowns). LaJohntay Wester has 21 receptions for 260 yards and 5 scores and Jimmy Horn Jr. has reeled in 23 catches for 327 yards and a rating.
Isaiah Augustave has taken over the crew lead in dashing with 117 yards on 24 makes an attempt whereas Micah Welch has three dashing touchdowns.
Defensively, security Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig leads the crew in tackles with 37, together with three for loss. He additionally had a 95-yard fumble return for a landing in opposition to UCF. Linebacker Nikhai Hill-Inexperienced has 32 tackles, together with 5 for loss and cornerback DJ McKinney has 31 stops, 5 go breakups and a fumble restoration. At cornerback, Hunter has 15 tackles, two interceptions and a compelled fumble.
The Wildcats are led by dual-threat quarterback Avery Johnson, who has thrown for 879 yards and 9 scores whereas dashing for 321 yards and two touchdowns. Working again DJ Giddens has rushed for 604 yards and two scores whereas former Buff Dylan Edwards has run for 201 yards and two scores. Jayce Brown is the main receiver with 17 catches for 277 yards and a landing
Linebacker Austin Romaine has 34 tackles, together with 4 for loss, two sacks and a compelled fumble. Defensive finish Brendan Mott has 4 sacks and 4 quarterback hurries and 4 completely different Wildcats have an interception.
KEY MATCHUP: Colorado’s defensive ends vs. Okay-State QB Johnson. The Buffs need to maintain Johnson within the pocket and never let him make performs along with his legs. If they’ll get strain on him, he might be compelled into making a mistake, as he is thrown 4 interceptions this yr.
UP NEXT: The Buffs hit the street subsequent Saturday for a 2 p.m. (MT) sport at Arizona (FOX).
