The Colorado Buffaloes' final game of the 2025 sees them travel to Manhattan, Kansas, for a matchup with the Kansas State Wildcats.
With the Buffs' bowl hopes long gone, there isn't much left for them to fight for on paper, but ending a season on a positive note can do incredible things for a program. Yet, Colorado is still in search of its first win since a win against Iowa State in mid-October, and there are plenty of reasons to be concerned that Deion Sanders' squad won't finish the season on a high note.
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Nov 22, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Julian Lewis (10) following his third quarter touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesSanders has already announced that true freshman star Julian Lewis will not see any action against the Wildcats to preserve his redshirt status. While there are positives to the decision, the sudden switch back to Kaidon Salter will undoubtedly hurt the offense and the team's morale, which felt on the verge of finding a rhythm.
Salter has struggled to produce a consistent offense, especially in the passing game, where his inaccuracy on the run has ended plenty of drives this season. Outside of that, Lewis' performance continues to inspire hope for the Buffaloes' future, and there will be something missing on Saturday without him leading the team.
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Nov 1, 2025; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson (2) hands the ball to running back Joe Jackson (4) during the third quarter against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn ImagesKansas State's season is precariously perched at five wins, one short of qualifying for a bowl game. That likely means the Wildcats will not be resting any of their starters and pushing hard to win the game, while Colorado has seemingly waved the white flag with the Lewis decision. Not to mention that Kansas State's offense has proved potent, scoring 40 points or more in three of its last five games. For a defense that has nothing to play for and yielded more than 40 points in three of its previous four games, it sounds like a recipe for disaster.
Don't look back
Aug 29, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes running backs coach Marshall Faulk before the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesAs the first dominoes in the coaching carousel begin to fall, Colorado has already been affected with an announcement that Colorado running backs coach Marshall Faulk would be leaving for the head job at Southern. It's another hit to a running back that has had to battle through injuries and tough playcalls all season. The coaching departure and the Lewis decision speak to the staff's focus on planning for the future beyond this Kansas State game. With how this season has gone, a lackadaisical approach is the last thing the Buffs need if they're looking for an upset.
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Oct 11, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive lineman Alexander McPherson (98) celebrates a defensive play in the first quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesIt's been over a month since the Colorado Buffaloes won a football game, and in that time, they've been outscored 176-63. All that to say, the Buffs are ice cold as a team on both sides of the ball. The momentum swing needed to get the Buffs back on the right track is drastic, and a coaching staff primarily focused on the future isn't exactly an inspiring equation. Colorado hasn't started a game fast since Iowa State, and I have doubts they'll be able to do so on the road this Saturday.
I wanna go home
Oct 25, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) is pressured by Utah Utes defensive end Logan Fano (0) during the first quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn ImagesColorado is on the verge of a winless season on the road, where they have struggled mightily since their first road trip to Houston. For whatever reason, the Buffs' worst losses have come in away games, with their closest result being a touchdown difference loss to West Virginia. Outside of that game, Colorado has seen nothing but blowouts, and there is little reason this game will be different.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football vs. Kansas State reasons upset unlikely
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