The stage is set for a monumental showdown as the CU Buffs prepare for their pivotal regular season finale against perennial Big 12 contender Kansas State. This highly anticipated matchup carries significant implications, serving not only as a crucial conference game but also as a chance for redemption for the CU Buffs after a past heartbreak.
For Colorado fans, the memories of the 2024 season’s late-game collapse against the Kansas State Wildcats at Folsom Field still sting. Despite a spirited rally that saw the Buffs take a 28-24 lead with just over three minutes remaining, the Wildcats swiftly mounted an 84-yard drive in only 51 seconds, snatching victory and derailing what could have been a perfect Big 12 start for Coach Prime’s team.
Conversely, Kansas State, under the consistent leadership of head coach Chris Klieman, enters this game with a strong foundation. Even after losing key players to the NFL draft and experiencing a late-season stumble in 2024, K-State bolstered its roster through smart transfer portal acquisitions, securing the third-best class in the Big 12. They are widely expected to contend for a conference title, reinforcing their status as a top-four team in preseason rankings.
Central to the Wildcats’ offensive prowess is quarterback Avery Johnson, whose superstar potential fuels much of the team’s optimism. His sophomore season, while featuring some inconsistencies, showcased moments of brilliance where the Kansas State offense thrived, averaging over 37 points in their nine victories. Johnson’s dual-threat capabilities, including over 2,700 passing yards and 32 total touchdowns, make him a formidable force for the CU Buffs defense to contend with.
Beyond Johnson, Kansas State’s offensive identity in 2024 was heavily rooted in its dominant ground game, which ranked second in the Big 12 in rushing yards per contest. Spearheaded by second-team All-Big 12 running back DJ Giddens, who amassed over 1,300 yards, the Wildcats also benefit from Avery Johnson’s significant contributions on the ground. Additionally, former CU Buff Dylan Edwards is poised to step into a substantial role in the Kansas State backfield, adding another layer of challenge for the Colorado defense.
However, the Wildcats’ success will hinge on their ability to integrate newcomers along the offensive line, as they lost three starters in the offseason. Filling these crucial spots will require a mix of returning backups and high-major transfers to maintain their offensive integrity. This area presents a potential vulnerability that the CU Buffs could exploit.
Defensively, Kansas State maintains its characteristic solidity under coordinator Joe Klanderman. Despite losing key players in the secondary and their sack leader, the Wildcats return significant production at all three levels. All-Big 12 safety VJ Payne, known for his interceptions and forced fumbles, and leading tackler Austin Romaine at linebacker, anchor a robust unit that consistently challenges opposing offenses.
The upcoming game on Saturday, November 29, marks the final week of the 2025 regular season and represents a critical opportunity for the CU Buffs to exact revenge and solidify their conference standing. If Colorado is once again vying for a perfect conference record heading into this contest, it promises to be an electrifying and intensely competitive Big 12 Football spectacle.
As both the CU Buffs and the Kansas State Wildcats prepare for this showdown, the narrative is ripe with anticipation, setting the stage for a memorable conclusion to the regular season, with significant implications for postseason aspirations.
