The final regular-season game for the Colorado Buffaloes and the Kansas State Wildcats will be an interesting one. That is especially true for Kansas State, which needs a win to become bowl eligible. Colorado will look to prevent that despite some quarterback uncertainty for the Buffaloes. Before this Big 12 matchup kicks off on Saturday, you will be able to see my Colorado vs Kansas State prediction here.
Our Colorado vs Kansas State Pick
Pick: Kansas State -16.5
Confidence: ★★★★☆
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Colorado Buffaloes vs Kansas State Wildcats
- Date & Time: Saturday, November 29, 2025, 12:00 PM ET
- Venue: Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, Kansas
- Broadcast: FS1
Key Storylines
- Bowl pressure on Kansas State: The Wildcats sit at 5–6. A win pushes them to bowl eligibility, which serves as a strong motivator for them heading into this final game of the year. Colorado does not have the same sense of urgency when it comes to postseason play, as they are out of bowl contention at 3-8.
- Colorado’s uphill climb: The Buffaloes have struggled all season on both sides of the ball. Their offense ranks among the worst in total yards per game, and the defense has given up too many points and yards to stay competitive consistently. Having to make another change at quarterback will only make things tougher on the Buffs.
- Injury and roster impacts for Kansas State: The Wildcats may be missing some of their top offensive weapons. Top receiver Jayce Brown is not available, which could force adjustments in their game plan.
Quarterback Play
Colorado is expected to start Kaidon Salter again in this game. Salter was benched earlier in the season but is getting the nod here after head coach Deion Sanders opted to sit Julian Lewis to preserve his redshirt status. It will be interesting to see how Salter performs now that he is back in the spotlight.
K-State’s offense is led by dual-threat quarterback Avery Johnson. Johnson has 18 passing touchdowns and 8 rushing touchdowns this year and he will try to make a big impact to get K-State to bowl season here.
Betting Trends
- Colorado is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games and 0-5 ATS in its last 5 road games. The Buffaloes are 3-7-1 against the spread for the year.
- Kansas State is 5-6 against the spread this season.
- The under has hit in 6 of Colorado’s first 11 games.
- The over is 7-4 in games involving K-State this season.
Colorado vs Kansas State Model Projection
Score Projection: Kansas State 35 – Colorado 17
Win Probability: Kansas State 88%, Colorado 12%
Final Thoughts
Kansas State enters this matchup with strong motivation to secure a bowl berth and the personnel to impose its will against Colorado. The Buffaloes should struggle offensively with Salter back on the field and I’ll gladly lay the points with K-State in a must-win game for their program.
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