Colorado vs. Kansas State results, highlights: Avery Johnson leads game-winning drive, Travis Hunter leaves with injury as Wildcats beat Buffaloes

By | October 13, 2024
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It took until the second half, but Saturday night’s matchup between Kansas State and Colorado lived up to the hype as a back-and-forth contest where both offenses shined — even without one of the biggest stars on the field.

Kansas State, ranked No. 18 in the most recent AP Poll, held on for a 31-28 win over the Buffaloes on the road. A 50-yard touchdown pass from Avery Johnson to Jayce Brown was the difference, as the Wildcats’ defense forced a late-game incompletion from Shedeur Sanders to seal the win.

However, one of the most significant national storylines coming out of Saturday’s matchup was an injury to Colorado’s two-way star, Travis Hunter. The wide receiver/cornerback hybrid left the game in the second quarter with a shoulder injury and didn’t return.

Even with injuries to Hunter and two other wide receivers, Jimmy Horn Jr. and Omarion Miller, Sanders led the Buffaloes in a comeback effort over the final two quarters. Colorado nearly pulled off some magic with a fourth-quarter interception on Johnson that led to a touchdown pass from Sanders to take the lead, but soon after, Johnson answered with the 50-yard strike to Brown.

Johnson finished with 224 passing yards, two touchdowns and an interception, while Sanders had a strong performance with 388 passing yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Wildcats running back DJ Giddens also stood out, totaling 182 rushing yards on 25 carries. 

As one of the leading Heisman Trophy candidates this season, Hunter’s injury status will be worth monitoring after Saturday’s game. Kansas State was able to pull out a significant win though, improving to 5-1 this season while Colorado fell to 4-2.

The Sporting News tracked live scoring updates and highlights from Colorado vs. Kansas State on Saturday, including Hunter’s stats throughout the contest before he left with an injury. Here’s what you may have missed.

MORE: Travis Hunter goes No. 1 in updated 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Colorado vs. Kansas State score

  Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 F
Kansas State 7 7 10 7 31
Colorado 7 0 7 14 28

NCAAF HQ: Live NCAAF scores | Updated NCAAF standings | Full NCAAF schedule

Travis Hunter stats vs. Kansas State*

  • Receptions: 3
  • Receiving yards: 26
  • AVG: 8.7
  • TDs: 0
  • Tackles: 1
  • Passed defended: 0
  • INTs: 0

* Hunter left the game in the second quarter with an injury.

Colorado vs. Kansas State updates, highlights from Week 7 college football matchup

All times ET

1:56 a.m. — Kansas State pulls out the 31-28 victory, which came a bit tougher than expected after claiming a 21-7 lead earlier. It was a strong effort from a beat-up Colorado team, but the Wildcats come away with the close win.

1:53 a.m. — On 4th & 5, Sanders goes down the field for Will Sheppard but his pass falls incomplete with no flags. That was the last chance for Colorado, and Johnson is taking a knee to start running the clock down. 

1:52 a.m. — A false start pushes the Buffaloes back five yards on third down. It’ll be a 3rd & 11 for Colorado.

1:48 a.m. — Two minutes remain. Colorado has the ball in its own territory, and Shedeur Sanders and the Buffaloes have an opportunity to pull off a thrilling win.

Kansas State 31, Colorado 28

1:43 a.m. TOUCHDOWN — Pump the brakes on a Colorado comeback; the Wildcats aren’t out of it yet. It takes the Wildcats just three plays to answer the Buffaloes, as Avery Johnson connects with Jayce Brown for a massive 50-yard score. Kansas State reclaims the lead, but Colorado needs just a field goal to tie with just over two minutes remaining. 

Colorado 28, Kansas State 24

1:40 a.m. TOUCHDOWN — Even without its Heisman Trophy candidate on the field, Colorado can’t help but bring the excitement. Shedeur Sanders finds LaJohntay Wester for an 11-yard touchdown, giving the Buffaloes the lead after going down 21-7 in the third quarter. Colorado has an opportunity to upset No. 18 Kansas State if it can hold on. 

1:38 a.m. — What a turn of events. Kansas State opts to go for it on 4th & 6 in Colorado territory, a decision that had the potential to decide the game. The Buffaloes’ Colton Hood, though, picks off Avery Johnson, then returns it 59 yards. Colorado now has a perfect opportunity to tie the game or take the lead.

1:32 a.m. — Avery Johnson comes through with a 23-yard completion to Brown, who’s up to 71 receiving yards. Under six minutes remain in this matchup.

Kansas State 24, Colorado 21

1:26 a.m. TOUCHDOWN — Isaiah Augustave runs it in from two yards out, and this is a three-point game. Even with a beat-up offense, Colorado has made this a close matchup.

1:23 a.m. — In four-down territory and down two scores, Shedeur Sanders completes a pass on 4th & 3 to Wester, which goes for 14 yards. 

1:10 a.m. — It’s a quick three-and-out for Kansas State. Colorado will get the ball back. 

1:08 a.m. — Wildcats safety VJ Payne picks off Sanders, one of the quarterback’s few mistakes tonight. Kansas State takes over with a chance to expand on its lead.

1:06 a.m. — Sanders finds Miller for 24 yards, but Miller goes down with an injury after the play. It’s another blow to the Buffaloes’ wide receiver room, which is already without Horn and Hunter tonight. 

End of third quarter: Kansas State 24, Colorado 14

1:00 a.m. — Sanders is sacked by Ryan Davis on first down, and the third quarter comes to an end soon after. Travis Hunter has still not returned to the game after his earlier shoulder injury.

Kansas State 24, Colorado 14

12:54 a.m. FIELD GOAL — On 3rd & 8, Giddens dropped a wide-open pass from Johnson. Chris Tennant’s 48-yard field goal is good, giving Kansas State a 10-point cushion. 

12:49 a.m. — DJ Giddens is up to 21 carries for 171 rushing yards for the Wildcats. He’s simply dominated on the ground against the Buffaloes: 

Kansas State 21, Colorado 14

12:44 a.m. TOUCHDOWN — Shedeur Sanders continues to take over this game, even without Horn or Hunter. He finds Will Sheppard for a seven-yard score, and the quarterback is now 21/23 with 227 passing yards and two touchdown passes tonight. 

12:41 a.m. — Sanders’ 16 consecutive completions set a new Colorado record, but a drop ends that streak. Omarion Miller then sets up Colorado for 1st & Goal with a 15-yard snag.

12:40 a.m. — Avery Johnson was just shown on the sidelines taking a selfie with fans:

12:35 a.m. — Shedeur Sanders continues to perform well, completing back-to-back passes to Will Sheppard for a combined 40 yards. Sanders is 17-for-18 with 192 passing yards so far.

12:33 a.m. — Both Jimmy Horn Jr. and Travis Hunter remain on the sidelines for Colorado.

Kansas State 21, Colorado 7

12:28 a.m. TOUCHDOWN— Avery Johnson is back in the game after returning from the locker room, and he finds Jayce Brown for a one-yard touchdown. Kansas State takes a two-score lead, and fortunately for the Wildcats, Johnson looks to be healthy enough to remain in this game.

12:25 a.m. — Giddens ran up the middle and nearly found the end zone, but his touchdown is called back. Kansas State now has a 4th & 1 from the Buffaloes’ two-yard line.

12:21 a.m. — Roberson finds Brown on 3rd & 7 for a 14-yard completion. Kansas State is inside Colorado’s 15-yard line. 

12:18 a.m. — Another significant injury in this game: Avery Johnson grabbed at his side after a 33-yard pass to Jayce Brown and has gone back to the locker room. Ta’Quan Roberson is in at quarterback for the Wildcats.

12:12 a.m. —Johnson runs up the middle on 3rd & 11 for 10 yards. Hunter is back on the sidelines, but isn’t back on the field yet.

12:10 a.m. — Kansas State begins the second half with the ball, and still no Travis Hunter. He remains in the locker room and is questionable to return, per the ESPN broadcast.

Halftime: Kansas State 14, Colorado 7

11:50 p.m. — Colorado managed to drive into Kansas State territory, but a sack on Sanders and an intentional grounding call bring the first half to a close. The Wildcats lead at the break, and Travis Hunter’s injury status remains a major storyline for Colorado.

Kansas State 14, Colorado 7

11:40 p.m. TOUCHDOWN  — Dylan Edwards punches it in from a yard out, giving Kansas State the advantage. It was an eight-play, 60-yard drive for the Wildcats, and under two minutes remain in the first half. 

11:33 p.m. —  Giddens can’t be stopped on the ground. He’s up to 12 carries for 127 rushing yards in the first half, and he’s helped carry the Wildcats deep into Colorado territory as they look to take the lead.

11:28 p.m. — Travis Hunter is going to the locker room with what appeared to be a shoulder injury. That will certainly be a storyline to watch for the Buffaloes moving forward, just as they punt the ball back to Kansas State.

11:24 p.m. — Colorado has a 3rd & 7 around the middle of the field coming up after a timeout.

11:17 p.m. — Sanders is finding a rhythm, as he first hits Jimmy Horn Jr. for 12 yards, then Travis Hunter on back-to-back plays for six and 14 yards. 

11:12 p.m. — Giddens has been excellent on the ground, picking up 39 yards between two more carries. However, Johnson is sacked by Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig on 3rd & 8, the Buffaloes’ third sack of the night already. Kansas State punts.

11:07 p.m. — Travis Hunter’s first catch of the evening goes for six yards, but Colorado punts on fourth down.

End of first quarter: Colorado 7, Kansas State 7

11:03 p.m. — Shedeur Sanders picks up eight yards on the ground for a first down, bringing the first quarter to a close.

11:00 p.m. — Some stars are in the house for this matchup, including Kevin Durant:

Colorado 7, Kansas State 7

10:57 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — After a review, an eight-yard rushing score for Johnson stands, tying the game at seven. Johnson through two drives: 6-for-6 with 48 passing yards and a rushing touchdown.

10:55 p.m. — Avery Johnson is sacked on first down, but he responds with a 12-yard completion to Edwards on 3rd & 16. Kansas State is going for it on fourth down at the Colorado eight-yard line.

10:51 p.m. — Make it four carries for 38 yards for Giddens, who runs for 20 yards on 3rd & 3.

10:48 p.m. — The offense has picked up on both sides, as Johnson completes a pass to Dylan Edwards for nine yards, then running back DJ Giddens picks up 14 yards to enter Colorado territory.

Colorado 7, Kansas State 0

10:42 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Colorado gets on the board first. Sanders hits Wester on 3rd & 8, and the receiver puts a move on for a 25-yard score. The Buffaloes take a 7-0 lead at home.

10:39 p.m. — Sanders’ pass on third down is incomplete, but the Buffaloes go for it on 4th & 7 at the Kansas State 35-yard line. They convert with an eight-yard pass to LaJohntay Wester.

10:37 p.m. — Shedeur Sanders begins Colorado’s second drive with a nine-yard completion to Dallan Hayden.

10:33 p.m. — Avery Johnson is called for intentional grounding on 3rd & 8, and both sides punt on their first drives. 

10:29 p.m. — The Buffaloes go three-and-out to begin this matchup. For those looking to watch on ESPN, Florida vs. Tennessee will wrap up on the channel first, and Kansas State vs. Colorado will be live on ESPNEWS to start. 

10:27 p.m. — Colorado will receive the opening kickoff.

10:24 p.m. — With kickoff in just a few minutes, here’s a look at the Buffaloes’ uniforms tonight:

10:22 p.m. — With the final minutes of Florida vs. Tennessee still on ESPN, the broadcast says that Kansas State vs. Colorado is expected to kick off at 10:25 p.m. 

9:58 p.m. — Kickoff is approaching. Here’s some looks at Kansas State warming up for this high-profile game:

9:12 p.m. — Travis Hunter was out signing some autographs for Colorado fans ahead of tonight’s matchup:

Colorado vs. Kansas State start time

  • Date: Saturday, Oct. 12
  • Time: 10:15 p.m. ET

The Buffaloes and Wildcats will kickoff on Saturday at 10:15 p.m. ET. The game will be played at Folsom Field in Colorado.

MORE: Where Travis Hunter ranks in the 2024 Heisman Trophy odds 

What channel is Colorado vs. Kansas State on today?

  • TV channel: ESPN
  • Live stream: Fubo

Colorado vs. Kansas State will air nationally on ESPN. Fans looking to stream the game can turn to Fubo, which offers a free trial to new users. 

Colorado schedule 2024

Below is a look at Colorado’s next five games after Saturday’s matchup.

Date Opponent Time (ET)
Oct. 19 at Arizona 4 p.m.
Oct. 26 vs. Cincinnati TBD
Nov. 9 at Texas Tech TBD
Nov. 16 vs. Utah TBD
Nov. 23 at Kansas TBD

Kansas State schedule 2024

Following their game against the Buffaloes, here’s a look at the Wildcats’ upcoming schedule.

Date Opponent Time (ET)
Oct. 19 at West Virginia 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 26 vs. Kansas TBD
Nov. 2 at Houston TBD
Nov. 16 vs. Arizona State TBD
Nov. 23 vs. Cincinnati TBD

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