In a stunning turn of events, the Kansas Jayhawks have pulled off a remarkable upset, defeating the No. 16 Colorado Buffaloes 37-21 in a Big 12 showdown. The Jayhawks, who entered the game with a 4-6 record, relied heavily on the all-around performance of star player Devin Neal to secure the victory and deal a significant blow to Colorado’s hopes of competing for the Big 12 title.
Neal’s Standout Performance
Devin Neal, the Jayhawks’ versatile offensive weapon, put on a show at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium. The talented running back rushed for an impressive 207 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his ability to break through the Colorado defense. Neal also made his presence felt in the passing game, catching four passes for 80 yards and another score.
Devin Neal was simply unstoppable today. His ability to impact the game both on the ground and through the air was a game-changer for Kansas.
– Kansas head coach Lance Leipold
Neal’s performance was complemented by quarterback Jalon Daniels, who threw for 189 yards and a touchdown. The Jayhawks’ offense was firing on all cylinders, scoring on every drive except their last, keeping Colorado’s star players Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter on the sidelines for extended periods.
Colorado’s Title Hopes Take a Hit
The loss comes as a significant setback for the Buffaloes, who entered the game with an 8-2 record and aspirations of competing for the Big 12 championship. Despite strong performances from Sanders, who set the Colorado single-season record with 30 touchdown passes, and Hunter, who caught eight passes for 125 yards and two scores, the Buffaloes’ defense struggled to contain the Jayhawks’ offensive onslaught.
We didn’t play our best football today, and Kansas took full advantage of that. We need to regroup, focus on the next game, and hope for some help from other teams to keep our Big 12 title hopes alive.
– Colorado head coach Deion Sanders
With the loss, Colorado now needs a victory over Oklahoma State in their final regular-season game and assistance from other teams to secure a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game and maintain their chance at earning the league’s guaranteed College Football Playoff berth.
Kansas’ Resurgence
The upset victory marks a significant turnaround for the Jayhawks, who had struggled early in the season despite high expectations. After starting the year with a 1-5 record, Kansas has now won three straight games against ranked opponents, a school record.
- Week 11: Kansas defeats No. 22 Iowa State
- Week 12: Kansas upsets No. 19 BYU
- Week 13: Kansas stuns No. 16 Colorado
The Jayhawks’ recent success has instilled a newfound sense of confidence in the team, which had been expected to compete for a Big 12 title before their early-season struggles. Head coach Lance Leipold’s decision to settle for field goals of 24, 23, and 25 yards in the first half, rather than pursuing touchdowns, may have raised some eyebrows, but ultimately, Kansas’ offensive prowess proved too much for Colorado to overcome.
Looking Ahead
As the regular season nears its conclusion, both Kansas and Colorado find themselves in intriguing positions. The Jayhawks, now 5-6, have an opportunity to secure bowl eligibility with a victory in their final game. Meanwhile, the Buffaloes must regroup and focus on their crucial matchup against Oklahoma State, hoping for a win and help from other teams to keep their Big 12 title aspirations alive.
The Big 12 race has taken an unexpected turn with Kansas’ upset of Colorado, and as the season reaches its climax, fans can expect more drama and excitement in one of college football’s most competitive conferences.
