BOULDER, Colo. – After a thrilling game, Coach Deion Sanders and his Colorado football squad found it hard to grasp all that they had lost in their matchup against Kansas State.

∎ They lost star player Travis Hunter due to a shoulder injury that kept him off the field for the rest of the game.

∎ They lost three additional receivers to injuries, including standout Jimmy Horn Jr.

∎ They relinquished a four-point lead during the last three minutes of the match.

∎ They even had a shot at victory when they regained possession with 2:14 left, but ultimately lost the game 31-28.

“The main takeaway is that we lost,” Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders said post-game. “That’s what it reflects: we lost… A loss is a loss. You can’t get that back.”

The Buffaloes almost clinched the win despite another dramatic finish, even taking a 28-24 lead with just over three minutes remaining. All they needed to do was halt the No. 19 Wildcats in front of a packed Folsom Field crowd (53,972).

However, they couldn’t quite manage it. Now, the pressing issue for the Buffaloes (4-2) is the extent of Hunter’s injury, especially since he has emerged as a top contender for the Heisman Trophy.

Deion Sanders expressed uncertainty afterward about Hunter’s condition.

Deion Sanders’ Thoughts Post-Game

He talked about the impact of losing four receivers due to injuries during the game, particularly Hunter and Horn, who exited the game limping in the second quarter.

“Losing Travis, Jimmy, and the other players was a huge setback because they are crucial to our team’s success and our identity; they define who we are,” said Deion Sanders. “That took a toll on us. But others stepped up to the challenge, and I’m proud of their effort.”

Sanders is expected to give updates concerning Hunter on Tuesday. Hunter had to leave the game after a 14-yard reception in the second quarter when he was hit hard on his right shoulder by Kansas State safety Daniel Cobbs. Following Hunter’s exit, Colorado allowed Kansas State (5-1) to score three consecutive scoring drives – including two touchdowns and a 48-yard field goal, which brought the Wildcats to a 24-14 advantage at the end of the third quarter.

“Our tackling today was simply not good,” Sanders noted. “As a unit, we didn’t get to the ball effectively. We experienced some breakdowns and missed opportunities. I can assure you, our defensive coordinator Robert Livingston called an excellent game, but we simply have to execute better.”

So, What Actually Happened?

The Buffaloes faced a 21-7 deficit in the third quarter but fought their way back. With 4:03 remaining, they almost faced a devastating blow when the Wildcats reached the Colorado 31-yard line and opted to go for it on fourth down and 6 with a 24-21 lead. Converting could have solidified the victory for KSU, while a field goal could have extended their lead to 27-21.

However, Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman later revealed that he didn’t want to risk giving the ball back to Shedeur Sanders, fearing he would lead the team to victory.

“I would have regretted kicking the field goal, only to see them drive down and score, especially with the best quarterback in the country (Sanders), leading to a 28-27 defeat,” Klieman said. “I wasn’t going to allow that to happen.”

Instead of converting on fourth down, Avery Johnson’s pass was tipped to Colton Hood, who replaced Hunter at cornerback. Hood nearly returned it for a touchdown but was stopped at the Kansas State 17-yard line. On the next play, Shedeur Sanders connected with LaJohntay Wester for an 11-yard touchdown pass, putting Colorado ahead 28-24 with 3:12 left in the game.

“That play by Hood was incredible,” Deion Sanders praised. “It created a surge of energy. It was phenomenal.”

A few key defensive stops could have secured the win for Colorado after that point. Instead, they allowed two significant plays – a 34-yard completion from Johnson that brought the ball to midfield, followed by a 50-yard touchdown pass from Johnson to receiver Jayce Brown with just 2:14 remaining. Just like that, the Wildcats reclaimed the lead at 31-28, reversing the Buffaloes’ previous comeback efforts. Three weeks earlier, Colorado pulled off a miraculous Hail Mary to force overtime and win against Baylor.

Implications of the Loss for Colorado and Deion Sanders

The Buffaloes now have a 2-1 record in Big 12 Conference play, demonstrating they can compete with possibly the league’s best team. Their next game will be on Saturday against Arizona (3-3).

“This team possesses heart,” Deion Sanders remarked. “They show integrity, toughness, and passion for this game. We just didn’t come out on top. We need to develop the ability to win these critical matches.”

Last season at this point, the Buffaloes also had a 4-2 record, but they ended up not winning another game, finishing the season 4-8, with five of those losses by seven points or fewer.

“This team is completely different,” Sanders asserted.

So, what’s next for the team now that Hunter and Horn are sidelined? Receivers Omarion Miller and Terrell Timmons also faced injuries during Saturday’s game. The upside for the Buffs is their strong depth at the receiver spot. Shedeur Sanders, the quarterback, connected with nine different receivers, completing 34 out of 40 passes for 388 yards, scoring three touchdowns, and throwing one interception.

Although Shedeur was sacked six times, he nearly got another opportunity towards the end of the game. His last pass appeared to have a chance of being called for pass interference against Kansas State near their 40-yard line. However, the pass ultimately ended up incomplete on fourth down without any penalty called.

“Whatever the referee decided, he decided,” Shedeur commented.

For Kansas State, Johnson achieved 15-of-23 passing for 224 yards and tossed two touchdowns, with one interception. He also managed an 8-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, celebrating with the signature “shuffle” dance made famous by Deion Sanders in the end zone.

Kansas State’s running back DJ Giddens had a notable performance, rushing for 182 yards on 25 carries.