KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Devin Neal had a standout performance for Kansas, rushing for 207 yards and scoring three touchdowns, while also catching four passes for 80 yards and an additional touchdown. His efforts propelled Kansas to a convincing 37-21 victory over No. 16 Colorado, significantly impacting the Buffaloes’ chances of contending for the Big 12 title.
In addition to Neal’s remarkable game, quarterback Jalon Daniels contributed by throwing for 189 yards and one touchdown. The Jayhawks (5-6, 4-4) managed to score on every offensive possession except their final one, stifling Colorado’s key players Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy hopeful Travis Hunter by keeping them on the sidelines.
Despite the defeat, Sanders was notable, completing 266 passing yards and throwing for three touchdowns, thus breaking the Colorado single-season record with 30 touchdown passes. Hunter also had a good game with eight receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns. However, he struggled to make a defensive impact, along with his teammates, as Kansas achieved a school record by defeating a ranked opponent for the third consecutive week.
With the Buffaloes (8-3, 6-2 Big 12, ranked No. 16 in the CFP) facing an uphill battle, they now must secure a victory against Oklahoma State and hope for favorable outcomes elsewhere if they want a shot at the Big 12 championship and a guaranteed spot in the College Football Playoff.
The Jayhawks, building on recent momentum from victories over Iowa State and BYU, began the game strong with Neal catching a 51-yard touchdown pass. Following a quick three-and-out from Colorado, Kansas quickly ramped up their lead to 10-0. They soon added to their tally as Neal dashed into the end zone for another score, pushing the advantage to 17-0.
It was then that Hunter, viewed as a frontrunner for the Heisman, got in on the action, catching a short pass and weaving past multiple Kansas defenders for a 51-yard touchdown. The teams continued to trade scoring plays into halftime, with Kansas holding a narrow 23-14 lead. A contemplation arose whether Kansas coach Lance Leipold might regret settling for field goals of 24, 23, and 25 yards instead of opting for touchdowns.
However, after the Buffaloes closed the gap to 23-21 with Hunter’s second touchdown, the Jayhawks responded with an 80-yard march down the field, culminating in another Neal score. Kansas’ defense stood strong afterward, forcing a three-and-out and even sacking Sanders, who appeared to push an official as he left the field. Neal then capped an 8-minute drive with his final touchdown, extending the lead to 37-21.
The Buffaloes could not revive their chances of a comeback, with Cobee Bryant disrupting a crucial fourth-down pass in the end zone as the game wound down.
In conclusion, Colorado’s defensive struggles were glaringly evident, failing to contain the dynamic Kansas offense. Shilo Sanders, along with the rest of the defensive unit, gave up critical plays and struggled against a physical Jayhawks offensive line.
Meanwhile, Kansas still has a glimmer of hope to qualify for a bowl game for the third year in a row. They must beat Baylor in their final game of the regular season to secure that opportunity.
Looking ahead, Colorado will challenge Oklahoma State on Friday, while Kansas will face Baylor on Saturday.