University of Colorado Athletics

COLORADO BUFFALOES (4-1, 2-0 Big 12)

vs.  No. 18 KANSAS STATE WILDCATS (4-1, 1-1)

 BOULDER — Halfway through the season, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes have a crossroads moment on their plate.

If the Buffs can knock off No. 18 Kansas State on national television Saturday night, the payoff will be significant. The Buffs will remain among the Big 12 teams with unbeaten conference records, could very likely find themselves in the next top 25 poll — and perhaps most importantly, will send a message that they are legitimate contenders for a Big 12 title and the College Football Playoff berth that goes with it.

The Wildcats are the Buffs’ biggest test yet this year. They boast a balanced offense that leans on a power rushing attack (252 yards per game) and they have a solid defense that has given up more than 27 points just once. 

But the Buffaloes are coming off their best performance of the year, a 48-21 thumping of UCF that saw the offense put up big numbers and the defense produce two huge red zone stops, five sacks and four takeaways.

Whoever leaves Folsom Field late Saturday night with the win will be seen as a Big 12 contender. The loser will have work to do.

The nuts and bolts:

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

TV, RADIO: The game will be televised by ESPN with Mark Jones and Roddy Jones in the booth and Quint Kessenich on the sidelines. The radio broadcast will be carried on the Colorado Football Radio Network with Voice of the Buffs Mark Johnson and Gary Barnett in the booth. Radio coverage begins at 6:15 p.m.

ON THE INTERNET: The game can be heard on the internet at CUBuffs.com. Live statistics will also be available at CUBuffs.com.

THE COACHES: College football and NFL Hall of Famer Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders is in his second year at Colorado, where he has an 8-9 record. Prior to coming to CU, he coached three seasons at Jackson State, where he compiled a 27-6 record. Chris Klieman is in his sixth year at K-State, where he has compiled a 43-25 record. He is 115-38 overall as a head coach, with his previous stop being North Dakota State.

THE SERIES: This is the 67th meeting between the old Big Eight and Big 12 rivals but the first since 2010. The Buffs lead the all-time series 45-20-1, including a 28-5 mark in Boulder. 

WHAT’S AT STAKE: The winner will continue to be mentioned among the list of Big 12 contenders.

TEAM LEADERS: Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders has thrown for 1,630 yards and 14 touchdowns. Colorado has four 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 five scores and Jimmy Horn Jr. has reeled in 23 catches for 327 yards and a score.

Isaiah Augustave has taken over the team lead in rushing with 117 yards on 24 attempts while Micah Welch has three rushing touchdowns.

Defensively, safety Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig leads the team in tackles with 37, including three for loss. He also had a 95-yard fumble return for a touchdown against UCF. Linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green has 32 tackles, including five for loss and cornerback DJ McKinney has 31 stops, five pass breakups and a fumble recovery. At cornerback, Hunter has 15 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble.  

 The Wildcats are led by dual-threat quarterback Avery Johnson, who has thrown for 879 yards and nine scores while rushing for 321 yards and two touchdowns. Running back DJ Giddens has rushed for 604 yards and two scores while former Buff Dylan Edwards has run for 201 yards and two scores. Jayce Brown is the leading receiver with 17 catches for 277 yards and a touchdown

Linebacker Austin Romaine has 34 tackles, including four for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble. Defensive end Brendan Mott has four sacks and four quarterback hurries and four different Wildcats have an interception.

KEY MATCHUP: Colorado’s defensive ends vs. K-State QB Johnson. The Buffs have to keep Johnson in the pocket and not let him make plays with his legs. If they can get pressure on him, he can be forced into making a mistake, as he’s thrown four interceptions this year.  

UP NEXT:  The Buffs hit the road next Saturday for a 2 p.m. (MT) game at Arizona (FOX).