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Kansas State’s 31-28 victory over rival Colorado on Saturday night wasn’t just another nail-biting Big 12 after-dark matchup—it was a statement game.
After throwing a costly interception late in the fourth quarter, quarterback Avery Johnson rallied and hit Jayce Brown with a 50-yard touchdown pass to seal the Wildcats’ sixth ever win in Boulder, and it’s first win in Boulder since 2006.
For a Colorado team riding the hype of Deion Sanders, it was a harsh reminder that experience and resilience still matter in college football.
"That must be jelly, because jam doesn’t shake like that."
When DJ Giddens is turnt, DJ Giddens is turnt.
Kansas State’s success on Saturday started and ended with DJ Giddens. The Junction City native racked up 182 yards on 25 carries, with 127 of those yards coming in the first half alone. He was unstoppable, averaging 7.3 yards per carry and becoming the first back this season to rush for over 100 yards against Colorado.
But this wasn’t just about stats—Giddens put Shiloh Sanders on skates, making the Buffaloes’ defense look amateurish at times. If Sanders was trying to stop him, Giddens was dropping him like a Kendrick Lamar diss track.
Every first down he gained took time off the game clock and made it harder for Colorado to mount a comeback with its explosive offense.
He also caught two passes for 38 yards, including a 26-yard grab on the game winning drive.
Dylan Edwards, a former Colorado player, made his own impact, totaling 48 yards on 10 touches, including a touchdown run that silenced the Boulder crowd.
One Major flaw with Shedeur Sanders
One significant flaw in Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ game was on full display. Known for his mobility, Sanders struggled when under pressure, often taking deep sacks—sometimes as much as 10 to 15 yards. Rather than stepping up in the pocket, Sanders tended to scramble backward, a habit that Kansas State's defense was ready to exploit.
K-State’s defense was relentless, sacking Sanders six times. Brendan Mott was living in the Buffaloes’ backfield with two sacks, while Cody Stufflebean, Travis Bates, Ryan Davis, and Desmond Purnell each got in on the action. Sanders’ inability to adjust is a glaring issue, and K-State exposed it all night long.
Ta’Quan Roberson shows his worth
Let’s give credit where it’s due—when Avery Johnson went down with a midsection injury, backup quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson stepped up in a major way.
Roberson, a former starter at UConn, didn’t just hold the fort; he made plays. His 13-yard completion to Jayce Brown on a critical drive kept the offense moving, and with 53,972 Colorado fans screaming at the top of their lungs, Roberson didn’t flinch.
That’s the kind of poise you want in a backup quarterback. Johnson may have finished the drive, but Roberson proved his worth in a hostile environment, and it’s exactly why K-State brought him in during the offseason.
Leadership defining moment for Avery Johnson
It looked like the Wildcats were on the verge of folding again when the Buffaloes threatened to take control of the game with a touchdown of their own with 3 minutes, 12 seconds remaining, capitalizing off of an interception thrown by Avery just a few plays prior.
This was the same Johnson who had imploded just weeks earlier against BYU, throwing two bad picks that snowballed into disaster. But this time? He didn’t fold.
With less than three minutes left, Johnson marched the Wildcats 84 yards in just three plays, hitting Jayce Brown for a game-winning 50-yard touchdown strike that will be replayed for years to come.
Johnson completed 15 of 23 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns—statistics that hardly reflect the heart he displayed in crunch time.
This performance was a defining moment, one that has the potential to shape a legacy. Such moments should instill confidence in both Johnson and the team as they prepare to head to Morgantown for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff against West Virginia.
Extra: Colorado fan experience
For K-State fans in attendance, Folsom Field was less than hospitable. Buffs fans displayed an embarrassing lack of sportsmanship throughout the night. Chants of “F*** K-State” echoed through the stadium even as injured players lay on the field, showcasing nothing but ignorance and immaturity.
Adding to the chaos, a fight broke out in the southwest corner of the stadium, reportedly instigated by Colorado fans.
This is what happens when a fanbase that hasn’t tasted consistent success suddenly gets a taste of glory—they lose their cool and act out like children. It was a shameful display that overshadowed what could have been a fun atmosphere.
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