Entering Saturday, No. 16 Colorado took control of its College Football Playoff destiny. Now, the Buffaloes face a steep hill.
The Buffaloes lost 37-21 to unranked Kansas in hopes of earning an automatic bid to a 12-team postseason berth.
The Jayhawks led 17-0 on Senior Day. But early in the third quarter, the Buffaloes cut the deficit to two points with Travis Hunter's second touchdown, which included a Heisman pose.
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Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedul Sanders (2) attempts a pass during the first half against the Kansas Jayhawks at Arrowhead Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
But Kansas fought back with a 10-play touchdown drive, then forced a three-and-out and found the end zone again to take a 37-21 lead in the fourth quarter. Running back Devin Neal scored all four touchdowns for the Jayhawks.
Colorado's next drive resulted in a turnover on downs, all to ice the game.
In the third quarter, a scrum occurred between players, and the referee intervened.
Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedur Sanders warms up before a game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Arrowhead Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
During the incident, Shedule Saunders shoved one of the officials from behind, prompting rules analyst Mike Pereira to suggest Saunders was “lucky” not to be sent off.
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It was the epitome of a frustrating day for the Buffaloes, who lost their third game of the season.
Kansas' victory marks the first time in FBS history that an underdog team has won three consecutive games against a ranked opponent. The Jayhawks are 5-6 this season.
It remains to be seen what path Colorado takes toward the College Football Playoff.
Arizona State, which improved to 9-2 with a 6-2 conference record, beat BYU to move ahead of Colorado State (8-3, 6-2) in the Big 12 standings. BYU and Colorado share the same conference record, with BYU having an overall record of 9-2. Iowa State (8-2, 5-2) will play Utah at 7:30 p.m. ET, and a win would vault it past Colorado State.
Colorado quarterback Shedur Sanders, 2, passes the ball during the second quarter of a game against the Kansas Jayhawks at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. (Nick Tre Smith/Imagine Images)
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Colorado needs to win at home against Oklahoma State and lose at some combination of Iowa State (home vs. Kansas State), Arizona State (home vs. Houston), and BYU (home vs. Houston).
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