KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- In a shocking turn of events, Colorado's aspirations for the Big 12 championship and a potential College Football Playoff bid took a major hit after the Kansas Jayhawks triumphed 37-21 over the No. 16 Buffaloes on Saturday.

This defeat left Colorado reeling as they entered a three-way tie for the top spot in the conference.

Kansas Dominates the Game

Kansas running back Devin Neal showcased his outstanding talent, racking up 287 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns, completely running over Colorado's defense. The Jayhawks (5-6, 4-4) dominated the ground game, outpacing Colorado with a staggering 331 rushing yards against the Buffaloes' mere 42.

Kansas did not face a single punt or turnover throughout the game—a testament to their overwhelming offensive performance at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Colorado's Struggles in the Title Race

After starting the season strong with four consecutive wins, Colorado (8-3) now finds itself entangled in a tight conference battle alongside Arizona State and BYU, each with 6-2 records, while a resurging Iowa State team lurks closely with a 5-2 record.

The Big 12 standings are now increasingly complicated, and tiebreakers could play a crucial role in determining which team secures a coveted spot in the title game.

Coach Sanders Reflects on the Loss

A candid Deion Sanders, the head coach of the Buffaloes, reflected on the loss, admitting that the team might have become complacent, saying, “We got intoxicated with success” and “did not play CU football,” leading to their decisive defeat.

Despite the team’s defensive improvements this season, they had no answer for the relentless Kansas offense led by Neal and quarterback Jalon Daniels, who executed a run-heavy game plan effortlessly.

Defensive Issues for the Buffaloes

The Buffaloes struggled to maintain defensive momentum, allowing 520 total yards to Kansas and failing to stop critical third- or fourth-down conversions.

Coach Sanders acknowledged the impressive game plan of Kansas, but lamented his inability to get his team to execute properly. “They didn’t punt one time,” he said, emphasizing the continued pressure on his squad.

Kansas' Remarkable Turnaround

Meanwhile, the Jayhawks have turned around their season after a tumultuous start at 1-5, marking an unprecedented feat as the first FBS team to beat three consecutive top-25 opponents while carrying a losing record.

Kansas can secure its bowl eligibility for the third consecutive year—a new milestone for the program—if they can clinch a win against Baylor next Saturday.

Praise for Kansas from Coach Leipold

Kansas head coach Lance Leipold praised his team’s resilience amidst adversity: “We talked about how close we were for a long time. They owned it, they kept working, they stuck together, and you can see the results of that.”

Colorado's Star Players Shine Despite Loss

On the other hand, Colorado's star players, Heisman Trophy candidate Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders, displayed their skills, with Hunter catching eight passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns, while Sanders completed 23 of 29 passes for 266 yards and three scores.

However, their efforts weren't enough to overcome a slow start that left the Buffaloes trailing 10-0 early in the game.

Looking Ahead for Colorado

Colorado's final regular-season matchup is scheduled against Oklahoma State (3-8, 0-8) on Friday.

With hopes for a Big 12 title fading, Coach Sanders remains focused on regrouping his team. “You've got to refocus your young men,” he stated firmly, insisting that the upcoming clash will be about football and not holiday distractions.

Fans will be eagerly watching to see if the Buffaloes can bounce back and salvage their season.