The Colorado Buffaloes have an opportunity Saturday to end their five-game losing streak against a Kansas State team dealing with quarterback injuries and problems along the line of scrimmage.
The Buffaloes enter the noon MT kickoff at Folsom Field at 2-5 overall and 0-4 in Big 12 play. Kansas State is 4-3 and 1-3 following a 28-17 loss at Arizona State. Here are five reasons Colorado can win.
5. Kansas State is short-handed at quarterback
Avery Johnson is out, and Jacob Knuth is doubtful after aggravating an ankle injury. Colorado has an opportunity to pressure a less experienced replacement, with Blake Barnett among Kansas State's remaining options.
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4. The Wildcats arrive after another difficult road performance
Arizona State controlled the line of scrimmage against Kansas State last week. The Wildcats have lost three of their past four games, giving Colorado a chance to face an opponent also struggling to correct conference-play problems.
3. Kansas State's run defense offers an opening
The Wildcats allow 158.1 rushing yards per game, ranking 93rd nationally. Colorado needs production from JaQuail Smith and its available backs after receiving little rushing support during the losing streak. Establishing manageable third downs would help Isaac Wilson avoid obvious passing situations.
2. Joseph Williams gives Colorado a productive target
Williams has 46 catches for 643 yards and five touchdowns after a nine-catch, 135-yard performance at Oklahoma State. DeAndre Moore Jr. added 106 receiving yards, giving Colorado two targets capable of creating gains against Kansas State's fifth-ranked pass defense.
1. Colorado has shown it can build a lead
The Buffaloes led Oklahoma State 24-23 at halftime before allowing 34 unanswered points. That opening half gives Saturday's offense a starting point. Sustaining drives after the break and protecting possessions would give Colorado a chance to turn another competitive start into a victory.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Five reasons Colorado can beat Kansas State in Week 9
