In a crucial Big 12 clash, the Kansas State Wildcats led the Colorado Buffaloes 14-7 at halftime. Kansas State made a quick start, completing an eight-play drive with a seven-yard touchdown run by DJ Giddens. They added to their lead later in the first quarter when quarterback Avery Johnson found Dylan Edwards for a six-yard touchdown pass.
Colorado responded on the following drive, as Shedeur Sanders led a nine-play, 75-yard drive, ending with a nine-yard touchdown pass to Dallan Hayden, narrowing the gap to one score. However, Colorado was missing a key player—Travis Hunter—who was absent for most of the second quarter after an injury.
According to ESPN’s sideline report, Hunter was tackled firmly by a Kansas State defender and soon requested to leave the game, heading to the locker room. His absence impacted the Buffaloes, as he missed the final 13 plays of the half. Before exiting, Hunter had three catches for 26 yards on offense and recorded one tackle on defense, participating in 23 offensive snaps and 21 defensive snaps.
Hunter has been a vital component of Deion Sanders’ strategies on both offense and defense. In the five previous games, he scored a touchdown in all but two and exceeded 100 receiving yards in all but one. His possible absence in the second half raises concerns for Colorado as they try to rally in this crucial Big 12 matchup. A victory over Kansas State would tie the Buffaloes for first place in the Big 12 with BYU and could potentially earn them a spot in the AP Poll rankings for the first time this season.
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Colorado Eyes Projected $1 Million Star QB as Shedeur Sanders’ Replacement
Shedeur Sanders is on track to be one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, presenting a challenge for the Colorado Buffaloes as they prepare to replace him. Head Coach Deion Sanders will face the significant task of finding a new quarterback.
Colorado has shown interest in multiple high-ranking quarterbacks from the 2025 recruiting class, though with varied success. The Buffs may also explore the transfer portal after the season to secure an experienced quarterback.
Coach Prime and his staff have been trying to flip five-star quarterback Keelon Russell, but Russell remains committed to Alabama and has shown no interest in visiting Boulder. Colorado is also focusing on another five-star quarterback prospect.
According to Steve Wiltfong of On3.com, the Colorado Buffaloes are continuing their pursuit of Julian Lewis from Carrollton, Georgia, despite his commitment to USC. Lewis, a five-star recruit, is currently ranked as the No. 5 quarterback prospect in the nation.
Shedeur Sanders invited 2025 5⭐️ QB Julian Lewis on his Podcast
“On the show we got a 5 star Quarterback, Julian Lewis maybe future Colorado Commit” – Shedeur Sanders 👀 #SkoBuffs pic.twitter.com/wlziSU73B8
— We Coming 🦬 (@SkoBuffsGoBuffs) September 3, 2024
Coach Deion Sanders sees Julian Lewis as a potential successor to Shedeur Sanders once the star quarterback heads to the NFL. To secure Lewis, Colorado will likely need significant financial resources, as his NIL valuation is estimated at $1.1 million, according to On3.com. Steve Wiltfong reported on October 11 that “Colorado is in a great position to bring Lewis back for a fourth visit this year for the Cincinnati game in two weeks.
” Deion Sanders, Pat Shurmur, and the Buffaloes’ staff have highlighted the opportunity for Lewis to start as a true freshman, with the success and visibility Shedeur Sanders has gained on and off the field being an attractive pathway for Lewis to follow.
“Although USC remains confident that Julian Lewis will stay committed, both the Indiana Hoosiers and Colorado Buffaloes are actively working to stay in the race for the highly sought-after quarterback recruit.”
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