If the Colorado Buffaloes were playing the Kansas Jayhawks of last month, they would be a much bigger favorite than where they sit now heading into Saturday.
On Oct. 20, Kansas was one of the most disappointing teams in the Big 12, sitting at 2-5 after its first conference win, a 42-14 romp over Houston. Still, the Jayhawks were staring down the barrel at a three-game stretch against ranked conference foes Kansas State, Iowa State and BYU. Kansas lost by two points to Kansas State before upsetting the Cyclones and Cougars. Suddenly, the Jayhawks look like the team we were promised before the season. However, has that much changed over Kansas’ winning streak?
This season, Kansas’ offense has averaged 30.2 points per game and allowed 24.6. Over the last three games, the Jayhawks have averaged 30.3 points and allowed 26 per contest.
Here are five keys to Colorado beating Kansas on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium:
Keep Jalon Daniels in the pocket
Jalon Daniels is a terrific athlete who can beat teams with both his arms and legs. Over the last three games, Kansas’ quarterback has done a lot more work with his legs, however. In the Jayhawks’ first four conference games, Daniels averaged six rushes and never went over seven. Over their last three games, Daniels has 37 rushing attempts for 149 yards and two touchdowns.
Daniels has arm talent but has only completed 56.6% of his passes this year and can be prone to turnovers, throwing 10 interceptions on the year. The Buffs must make Daniels a passer and not let him carve them up in the running game.
Offense, keep your foot on the gas
The Buffaloes possess the best offense in the conference, averaging 38.9 points in Big 12 games. Colorado has scored at least 28 points in every Big 12 game, eclipsing the 30-point mark in six games and scoring over 40 in three. CU’s most recent outing was a 49-point explosion against the Utah Utes, a team that had owned the Big 12’s best scoring defense. Kansas has allowed teams to score this year and CU needs to take advantage.
Win the turnover battle
Kansas has a positive turnover margin in 2024, gaining 17 interceptions or fumbles while giving the ball up 14 times. In their four wins combined, the Jayhawks won the turnover battle, 8-4. Meanwhile, Kansas turned the ball over 11 times in its six losses compared to only nine takeaways.
Win the trenches
Kansas has been sneaky good in the trenches on both sides of the ball. The Jayhawks come into Saturday’s game with 24 sacks (third in the Big 12) and have allowed only nine sacks (first in the Big 12). Kansas also averages the third-most rushing yards per game at 200.3.
The Buffs are much improved along both of their lines, especially on the defense side of the ball. They lead the Big 12 in sacks (33) and their run defense has allowed 3.7 yards per carry. Their offensive line hasn’t allowed more than three sacks since Oct. 12 against Kansas State.
Continue the road warrior magic
Colorado has flat-out dominated on the road this year during conference play. The Buffs are 3-0 away from Boulder with a scoring margin of 123-55. Many CU fans will likely make the trek to Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, but I want to see the Buffs treat this like a true road game.
Further reading
READ: Six Buffs, including Shedeur Sanders, accept East-West Shrine Bowl invites
Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Keys to Colorado taking down the red-hot Kansas Jayhawks
