CU Buffs look to keep momentum going as K-State visits Folsom Field

Game at a glance

Matchup: No. 18 Kansas State Wildcats at Colorado Buffaloes

Start: 8:15 p.m. MT

Where: Folsom Field in Boulder

Capacity: 50,183 (grass)

TV: ESPN

Radio: KOA (850 AM)

Opportunities: Kansas State by 3.5

Series: CU leads 45-20-1

Like many parents with their children, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders always believed in his team's potential for greatness.

Sometimes it takes a while for youth to realize their own abilities, and that goes for buffs too. But as he prepares to lead CU into a big battle with No. 18 Kansas State at Folsom Field on Saturday, he's like a proud parent as he watches his team begin to reach its potential.

“Huge, because I’ve seen it many times,” said Sanders, whose team has won three straight games. “I know coaches and parents are upset because we know your abilities, we know what you're made of, and we just want you to live your purpose and do what you're meant to do.

“Just seeing them come to their senses, just seeing them carry out their tasks, just seeing them wanting to do it, just seeing them call team meetings on their own and come out here on the practice field and work on their own without us , shoot, that's what you want. I mean, those are the kind of people you wanted to get together and call the team.”

On Sept. 7 in Lincoln, Nebraska, they trailed Nebraska 28-0 at halftime and there were legitimate concerns about whether the Buffs would live up to their potential. But in the locker room, Coach Prime pointed out mistakes and tried to rally his team.

Colorado staff and players react on the sideline after a touchdown against Central Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

“Play for each other, man. Stop breaking up. “Play for each other,” he told the Buffs. “Let’s get together, man. We have this. We will finish strong.”

Since then, the Buffs have won six of seven periods, including a 10-0 win over the Huskers after halftime that night.

After that 28-10 loss, CU beat Colorado State 28-9 a week later. Then they rallied and beat Baylor 38-31 in overtime. What followed was the Buffs' most complete game under Coach Prime, a 48-21 win over Central Florida on September 28 in Orlando, Florida.

With the arrival of Kansas State, confidence grows as the Buffs have played their best football in Coach Prime's tenure.

“Absolutely,” defensive lineman Chidozie Nwankwo said when asked if the Buffs are gaining confidence. “This also includes preparation as we prepare every week. We've just had a bye week and it was much needed and well deserved by everyone on the team, but now that we're back it's time to prepare. As long as we prepare properly and stay together, we will be fine.”

Sanders became a Hall of Fame player primarily because of his tremendous skill, but also because of his preparation for the game. This message penetrates his players.

Before the UCF game, the Buffs arrived early and flew on Wednesday instead of Thursday or Friday to stay ahead of Hurricane Helene. The additional time together led to more bonding and more time for film study. It paid off.

“It’s a moment they can definitely learn something from,” Coach Prime said.

The extra preparation helped CU dominate a good UCF squad and changed the perception of the Buffs in the eyes of many across the country. It may also have opened some eyes in the locker room when the Buffs saw what it can look like when they're completely locked in.

Beat K-State and the Buffs will be among the top contenders for the Big 12 title.

Of course, Coach Prime isn't surprised. He has always recognized the potential of his children.

“How can you be surprised that you are winning in life?” he said. “How can you be surprised that you put on a nice outfit and someone says you look good? How can you be surprised when you come out of the hair salon, look in the mirror and say, “That's it!” How can you be surprised by the expectations you have for yourself? You can only be surprised if you didn't expect it. We expect the results when we work. I just don't want it to go to their heads. But we shouldn't be surprised at where we are. We should be grateful as we understand what has allowed us to be where we are, but it shouldn't be a surprise to you.

“You start to see this stuff become a reality. It's real. We didn't create it. We know what we see.”

Originally published: October 11, 2024 at 2:29 p.m

CU Buffs look to keep momentum going as K-State visits Folsom Field – BuffZone

Game at a glance

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Game at a glance

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