Colorado returns to Folsom Field on Saturday to seek its first Big 12 win over a struggling Kansas State team.
The Buffaloes are 2-5 following five consecutive losses, including Saturday's 57-24 defeat at Oklahoma State. Kansas State is 4-3 overall and 1-3 in conference play after losing 28-17 to Arizona State. Colorado leads the series 45-22-1, with Kansas State winning the past two matchups.
Here are five things Colorado fans should know about Saturday's opponent.
Kansas State has lost three of its past four
The Wildcats opened 3-0 before a tougher stretch of their conference schedule. Kansas State has dropped three of its past four games and needs two wins in its final five contests to reach six wins.
Saturday also marks the Wildcats' second consecutive road game. Colorado will look to
capitalize on its return home after surrendering a halftime lead in Stillwater.
Kansas State's remaining schedule includes Oklahoma State and TCU, which leaves the Wildcats with work to do in their bowl pursuit.
The starting quarterback remains undecided
Avery Johnson missed the Arizona State game and remains day-to-day. Jacob Knuth made his first collegiate start, completing 26 of 41 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown while adding a rushing score.
Knuth also injured his ankle during that game. With Dillon Duff and Blake Barnett dealing with injuries, coach Collin Klein said Monday he didn't know who would take the first snap against Colorado.
That leaves the Buffaloes preparing for several possibilities as the Wildcats evaluate their available quarterbacks.
Kansas State's rushing attack
The Wildcats average 217.6 rushing yards per game, ranking 14th nationally. Johnson leads the team with 462 yards on 51 carries, making his health particularly important to the offense.
Colorado allowed Oklahoma State to rush for 188 yards. The defensive front, with Lamont Lester Jr. and Santana Hopper, needs to perform better Saturday, especially if Kansas State leans on its running backs to support an injured or inexperienced quarterback.
Stopping early-down runs would force Colorado into more difficult passing situations.
Collin Klein returns to his home state
Klein grew up in Loveland and previously played quarterback for Kansas State at Folsom Field in 2010, rushing for two touchdowns in the Wildcats' 44-36 loss. Saturday will be his first visit as a head coach.
The former Wildcats standout is in his first season leading the program, with friends and family expected to attend his return to Colorado.
His team will attempt to extend Kansas State's series winning streak after victories in Boulder in 2024 and Manhattan in 2025.
The pass defense
Kansas State allows 147.1 passing yards per game, fifth nationally. The Wildcats average 220.4 passing yards per game.
Their defense allows 158.1 rushing yards per game, ranking 93rd. Colorado needs to find production against that front after its running backs combined for only 42 yards on 15 carries at Oklahoma State.
Offensive Coordinator Brennan Marion needs a more balanced, effective ground game to give the Buffaloes additional options against the Wildcats' defense, which has limited the passing game.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Five things Colorado football fans need to know about Kansas State
