By John Meylor and Aiden Brolly
University of Colorado V. Kansas State University Homecoming Match at Folsom Field(Lily Wright | Radio 1190 News)
[Kickoff] Coach Deion Sanders’ squad faces its toughest opponent yet, the Kansas State Wild cats, coached by Chris Kileman. Kansas State is the rank 18 team national per the official AP ranking. Stay tuned for updates
[Q1 7:06] After trading 3-and-outs and their opening drives a short punt from Kansas St. gives the Buffaloes a short field position. A pair of first downs set up a 25 yard receiving touchdown from WR LaJohntay Wester [#10] from QB Shadeur Sanders [#2]. Buffaloes up 7-0.
[End of Q1] Kansas St. strikes by a long drive, aided by crucial first down runs by RBs DJ Giddens [#31] and former Buffalo RB Dyland Edwards [#3]. The drive is capped by a touchdown run from QB Avery Johnson [#2], a 4th down red zone tumble of 8 yards. CU takes the ball back on their end of the field and cap the quarter with an 8 yard run for a first down from QB Sanders. Tied 7-7.
[Q2 1:52] The teams trade short drives ended by crucial 3rd down sacks by the CU’s S Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig [#7] and KSU’s DE Travis Bates [#39], respectively. Kansas St. picks up the ball at their own 40 and parade down the field once again with their two-headed running game of RBs Giddens and Edwards. RB Edwards caps the drive with a 1-yard TD run, continuing his statement return to Boulder as he has 47 total yards. KSU takes a 14-7 lead.
[End of Q2] A promising CU drive is thwarted by constant QB pressure and sacks, leading the quarter to end at midfield. Kansas State set to receive the 2nd half kickoff as they maintain their 14-7 lead.
[Q3 8:10] The tone for second half is immediately set as one of major turbulence, as injuries riddle both teams. Heisman contender WR/CB Travis Hunter[#12] for CU exited the game with an apparent shoulder injury, while on back to back plays Kansas State lost two players, QB Johnson and WR Jadon Jackson [#0]. Kansas State remains in the lead 14-7.
[Q3 4:44] Shortly after going down, QB Johnson returned for Kansas State, capping the opening drive of the half with a 1 yard touchdown pass to WR Jayce Brown [#1]. Colorado responds with a 7 play TD drive, one heavily drawn out due to a multitude of injuries to KSU’s defense(much to the dismay of a very vocal crowd at Folsom). The drive is held up almost entirely by the connection between QB Sanders and WR Will Sheppard [#14], including the 7 yard scoring throw at the end of the drive. KSU remains in charge 21-14.
[End of Q3] A somewhat anemic Kansas State drive ends with a 48 yard field goal completed by K Chris Tennant. Colorado immediately after getting the ball back finds its QB getting sacked by Kansas State DE Ryan Davis [#54]. Colorado faces a crucial third and long as a grueling 3rd quarter comes to a close. KSU leads 24-14.
[Q4 11:22] The Buffs get out of the 3rd down hole and a subsequent 2nd & 28 hole on the back of 2 massive completions from WR Omarion Miller[#4]. The drive is cut short as QB Sanders throws a pick in no man’s land deep in KSU territory, interception by CB VJ Payne. KSU’s subsequent drive is a quick 3-and-out, with CU taking back over at their own 28. Wildcats hold at 24-14.
[Q4 6:44] CU pushes all the way down the field, with QB Sanders delivering the ball with poise and precision. A 4 yard rushing touchdown by RB Isiah Augustave [#23], their 2nd running play of the half. Colorado inches closer to making the comeback. KSU 24-21.
[Q4 2:14] KSU tries to push down the field but a crucial 4th down ends in a 59 yard interception of QB Johnson by CB Colton Hood [#3]. The subsequent offensive drive saw QB Sanders complete a quick 11 yard TD to WR Lester. KSU responded immediately with a 51 second TD drive which saw QB Johnson deal the ball deep down the field including a 50 yard bomb to WR Brown to take the lead back. Nail biter heading to the climax. Wildcats squeak ahead 31-28.
Updated 11:47 PM Oct. 12, 2024