Colorado vs Kansas: Big 12 Clash of Rivals and Playoff Hopes

The Colorado Buffaloes faced off against the Kansas Jayhawks in a highly anticipated Big 12 matchup on November 23, 2024, at Arrowhead Stadium. This game marked Colorado’s return to the Big 12 conference, renewing their rivalry with Kansas, which hadn’t been played since 2010. Both teams had contrasting seasons leading up to this game, making it a critical clash in Week 13 of college football.

Colorado entered the game ranked 16th nationally, boasting an 8-2 record, while Kansas, struggling earlier in the season, had surged recently to keep their bowl eligibility hopes alive. Led by head coach Deion Sanders, Colorado’s defense played a pivotal role in their season, with key performances from players like Travis Hunter. The Buffaloes’ strategy focused on countering Kansas’ strong rushing game, led by running back Devin Neal, who had crossed 900 yards for the season.

Kansas, on the other hand, showcased resilience after a rough start. The Jayhawks had improved their offensive consistency under coordinator Jeff Grimes, ranking 19th in metrics like EPA (Expected Points Added) per play. Their home-field advantage and ability to cover spreads in recent games made them formidable opponents. Quarterback Jalon Daniels also showed significant improvement, adding unpredictability to Kansas’ offense.

Pre-game predictions leaned slightly toward Colorado due to their stronger season record and ranking, though Kansas was expected to challenge their Big 12 title aspirations. The game exemplified the competitive chaos of the Big 12 this season, where any outcome seemed possible. The Buffaloes’ playoff hopes and Kansas’ quest for bowl eligibility made this encounter particularly exciting.

This showdown highlighted the evolving dynamics of the Big 12 and the rising competitiveness of programs like Kansas under Coach Lance Leipold.

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