Two disappointing Big 12 teams will have something very different to play for Saturday in Manhattan, Kan. 

As Colorado (3-8, 1-7 Big 12) closes the season against Kansas State (5-6, 4-4), the Buffaloes will be searching for a win to avoid their worst record in Deion Sanders’ three seasons, while the Wildcats will be trying to reach a bowl game for the sixth time in seven seasons under coach Chris Klieman.

While only K-State was actually picked to finish near the top of the Big 12 by most preseason media polls, both programs had aspirations to compete for a conference title after falling just short in 2024. 

Now, both are far from the conversation of teams near the top of the conference heading into what will be the final game of 2025 for one team and what could be the final game for the other.

Here’s what to expect from the Wildcats:

Last time out

Kansas State was part of arguably the most exciting Big 12 game of the season Saturday in Salt Lake City.

After scoring 24 points in the second quarter to take a 10-point halftime lead, the Wildcats also led No. 14 Utah by 12 points with seven minutes to go before a botched 2-point conversion attempt led to two points for the Utes. The play completely flipped the game. 

Then, a pair of Utah touchdowns in the final three minutes sank K-State’s hopes for an upset road win, despite running back Joe Jackson’s incredible individual performance (24 carries for 293 yards and two touchdowns).

On offense

After rushing for nearly 500 yards, the Wildcats now get to face, by far, the worst run defense in the conference.

Junior quarterback Avery Johnson hasn’t progressed as a passer as many expected him to this season. That’s a big reason why K-State isn’t a Big 12 and College Football Playoff contender, but he’s still a dangerous runner. 

He’s thrown for over 300 yards in a game just twice this season and has thrown for under 200 yards six times, but he might be able to throw for fewer than 100 yards against CU and still lead his team to a win.

After former Buffs transfer Dylan Edwards left the team midseason, Jackson has become the team’s top running back and proved why with his big day at Utah. The sophomore twice this season has rushed for over 100 yards in a game and could be in for a big workload again Saturday.

Despite losing wide receiver Jayce Brown to an injury, Johnson still has a few targets to throw to downfield in wide receiver Jaron Tibbs and tight end Garrett Oakley.

On defense

While Johnson’s lack of development into a star quarterback is a reason for K-State’s disappointing record, so is a veteran defense not playing up to the standard it set last season.

The Wildcats last year ranked in the top seven of the conference in both points per game and yards per game allowed. This season, that’s fallen to the fifth-worst scoring defense and fourth-worst total defense in the Big 12, and that’s despite being tied for the most turnovers and having the fifth-most sacks.

Veteran defensive ends Cody Stufflebean and Chiddi Obiazor will put pressure on CU freshman quarterback Julian Lewis, especially if the Buffs are down star left tackle Jordan Seaton again. Meanwhile VJ Payne is a ball-hawking safety. But there should still  be opportunities for the Buffs to get the ball in the hands of their playmakers and move the ball downfield. 

The Kansas State Wildcats file

Record: 5-6 (4-4 Big 12)

Head coach: Chris Klieman (7th season, 53-34 record)

Offensive coordinator: Matt Wells (2nd season)

Defensive coordinator: Joe Klanderman (7th season at K-State, 6th as DC)

Names to know: QB Avery Johnson, RB Joe Jackson, WR Jaron Tibb, TE Garrett Oakley, OL John Pastore, DE Chiddi Obiazor, DE Cody Stufflebean, LB Austin Romaine, LB Desmond Purnell, S VJ Payne

Kickoff: 10 a.m. (FS1)

Betting line: Colorado +17.5 (BetMGM)