The Colorado Buffaloes are preparing this week for yet another highly anticipated Big 12 matchup. This time it’s against the Kansas Jayhawks this Saturday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. As the conference season reaches its final stretch, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both programs. For Colorado, it’s a chance to solidify their College Football Playoff aspirations. For Kansas, it’s about survival and keeping their bowl hopes alive.

Buffaloes Riding High

The Buffaloes, led by Head Coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, boast an 8-2 record, including an impressive 6-1 in Big 12 play. The team is coming off a statement 49-24 victory over Utah, where both offense and defense showcased their strengths despite some early hiccups.

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who has been instrumental to Colorado’s success this season, acknowledged the team’s slow start against Utah but expressed confidence in their ability to overcome adversity. “I personally [had] two turnovers myself… I can’t put the team in that type of situation,” Shedeur said, taking accountability for his performance. He credited the defense for stepping up, emphasizing the team’s “complementary football” approach.

Offensively, the Buffaloes have been electric, with multiple playmakers stepping up week after week. Travis Hunter continues to make highlight-reel plays, and the receiving corps as a whole has emerged as one of the most dynamic units in college football. However, Coach Prime has been vocal about the need for consistency. “We still haven’t put together that complete performance,” he said. “But we have to stop saying that and just do it.”

Kansas Jayhawks’ Resilience

The Jayhawks (4-6, 2-5 Big 12) enter the game fighting for bowl eligibility. They’ve shown grit in recent weeks, securing upset victories over Iowa State and BYU. The Kansas offense is spearheaded by running back Devin Neal, who has racked up over 900 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns this season. Neal’s explosive ability to break tackles and find space will be a key factor in Saturday’s game.

Quarterback Jalon Daniels adds a dual-threat dimension, with his ability to extend plays and create mismatches. The Jayhawks’ offense is built around their ground game, and controlling the tempo will be a priority against Colorado’s opportunistic defense.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Colorado’s Defense vs. Kansas’ Rushing Attack

Colorado’s defense, led by standout safety Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig, has transformed into a force to be reckoned with. Silmon-Craig praised the defensive unit’s evolution this season, saying, “We got tired of being the step side… We just decided we needed to step up and own it ourselves.”

The Buffaloes have been especially effective at creating turnovers and applying pressure. Defensive linemen Monty Montgomery and the linebacking corps, including LaVonta Bentley, have been relentless against opposing offenses. They’ll need to bring that same intensity to stop Devin Neal and limit Kansas’ time of possession.

2. Shedeur Sanders vs. Kansas’ Secondary

Shedeur Sanders, a Heisman contender, continues to dazzle with his playmaking ability, combining precision passing and timely scrambles. His connection with Hunter and receivers like Drelon Miller has been unstoppable at times. Sanders has thrown for over 3,500 yards and 28 touchdowns this season, and his ability to exploit Kansas’ secondary will be a focal point.

3. Kansas’ Defense vs. Colorado’s Big Plays

Kansas’ defense has struggled against explosive plays this season, which could spell trouble against Colorado. With multiple receivers capable of scoring from anywhere on the field, the Jayhawks will need to tighten their coverage and generate pressure to disrupt Sanders’ rhythm.

Arrowhead Stadium: A Unique Stage

This week’s game takes place at the iconic GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs. The venue, known for its electrifying atmosphere, adds an extra layer of intrigue. Kansas has been playing select home games at Arrowhead during renovations to their own stadium, and they’re hoping the familiar setting will provide a slight advantage.

For Colorado, this is an opportunity to play on one of football’s grandest stages, a chance to showcase their skills in a stadium synonymous with champions.

What’s at Stake?

For Colorado, a victory would move them one step closer to a Big 12 Championship Game appearance and keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive. Coach Prime has spoken about the team’s lofty expectations, noting that they’re not satisfied yet. “We expect a lot out of ourselves,” Sanders said. “We practice with the type of intensity and passion that you can’t help but be successful.”

For Kansas, the stakes are equally high. With six losses, their bowl eligibility hangs by a thread. The Jayhawks will need their best performance of the season to pull off the upset and derail Colorado’s momentum.

What to Expect

This matchup has all the ingredients of a classic Big 12 showdown: high stakes, dynamic playmakers, and passionate fan bases. While Colorado’s explosive offense gives them the edge, Kansas’ resilience and ground game could make it a closer contest than many expect.

Saturday’s game promises to be a must-watch for college football fans, with implications that could ripple across the Big 12 standings and beyond.

Kickoff Details:

• When: Saturday, 2:30 PM MST

• Where: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO

• Broadcast: ABC

Will the Buffaloes continue their march toward postseason glory, or will the Jayhawks rise to the occasion and keep their season alive? Tune in to find out.