University of Colorado Athletics

COLORADO BUFFALOES (4-1, 2-0 Massive 12)
vs.  No. 18 KANSAS STATE WILDCATS (4-1, 1-1)

 BOULDER — Midway by way of 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 evening, the payoff might be vital. The Buffs will stay among the many Massive 12 groups with unbeaten convention data, may very possible discover themselves within the subsequent high 25 ballot — and maybe most significantly, will ship a message that they’re professional contenders for a Massive 12 title and the School Soccer Playoff berth that goes with it.

The Wildcats are the Buffs’ largest take a look at but this 12 months. They boast a balanced offense that leans on an influence speeding assault (252 yards per recreation) they usually have a strong protection that has given up greater than 27 factors simply as soon as. 

However the Buffaloes are coming off their finest efficiency of the 12 months, a 48-21 thumping of UCF that noticed the offense put up huge numbers and the protection produce two enormous pink zone stops, 5 sacks and 4 takeaways.

Whoever leaves Folsom Subject late Saturday evening with the win might be seen as a Massive 12 contender. The loser could have work to do.

The nuts and bolts:

KICKOFF:  8:25 p.m. (MT), Folsom Subject (50,183)

TV, RADIO: The sport might be televised by ESPN with Mark Jones and Roddy Jones within the sales space and Quint Kessenich on the sidelines. The radio broadcast might 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 may be heard on the web at CUBuffs.com. Dwell statistics may also be accessible at CUBuffs.com.

THE COACHES: School soccer and NFL Corridor of Famer Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders is in his second 12 months at Colorado, the place he has an 8-9 file. Previous to coming to CU, he coached three seasons at Jackson State, the place he compiled a 27-6 file. Chris Klieman is in his sixth 12 months at Ok-State, the place he has compiled a 43-25 file. He’s 115-38 general as a head coach, together 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THE SERIES: That is the 67th assembly between the outdated Massive Eight and Massive 12 rivals however the first since 2010.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 sequence 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 workforce lead in speeding with 117 yards on 24 makes an attempt whereas Micah Welch has three speeding touchdowns.

Defensively, security Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig leads the workforce in tackles with 37, together with three for loss. He additionally had a 95-yard fumble return for a landing towards UCF. Linebacker Nikhai Hill-Inexperienced has 32 tackles, together with 5 for loss and cornerback DJ McKinney has 31 stops, 5 cross breakups and a fumble restoration. At cornerback, Hunter has 15 tackles, two interceptions and a pressured fumble.  

 The Wildcats are led by dual-threat quarterback Avery Johnson, who has thrown for 879 yards and 9 scores whereas speeding for 321 yards and two touchdowns. Operating 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 pressured fumble. Defensive finish Brendan Mott has 4 sacks and 4 quarterback hurries and 4 totally different Wildcats have an interception.

KEY MATCHUP: Colorado’s defensive ends vs. Ok-State QB Johnson. The Buffs should hold Johnson within the pocket and never let him make performs together with his legs. If they will get stress on him, he may be pressured into making a mistake, as he is thrown 4 interceptions this 12 months.  

UP NEXT:  The Buffs hit the highway subsequent Saturday for a 2 p.m. (MT) recreation at Arizona (FOX).