Kansas running back Devin Neal delivered a career performance on Saturday, rushing for 207 yards and three touchdowns, catching four passes for 80 yards and another score, as the Jayhawks powered their way to a 37-21 victory over No. 16 Colorado in Week 13. The win not only kept Kansas’ bowl hopes alive but also delivered a major blow to the Buffaloes’ aspirations of playing for a Big 12 title in their return to the conference.
The Jayhawks (5-6) leaned heavily on Neal, who set the tone early by hauling in a 51-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jalon Daniels. Kansas quickly built a 10-0 lead, forcing a Colorado three-and-out and adding a field goal. Neal continued his dominance with a rushing touchdown to make it 17-0 before Colorado responded.
Despite the Buffaloes (8-3) finding life through Heisman Trophy candidate Travis Hunter, Kansas maintained control. Hunter showcased his brilliance with an electrifying 51-yard touchdown reception from Shedeur Sanders in the second quarter. However, Kansas’ methodical offense and Neal’s relentless ground game kept the Buffaloes at arm’s length, heading into halftime with a 23-14 advantage.
The Jayhawks’ game plan revolved around ball control and offensive efficiency. Kansas dominated time of possession, holding the ball for over 40 minutes and accumulating 331 rushing yards as part of a 520-yard offensive outburst. Daniels complemented Neal’s performance, throwing for 189 yards and a touchdown while avoiding costly mistakes.
Every Kansas possession except the final one ended in points, a testament to head coach Lance Leipold’s strategic preparation. The Jayhawks’ defense also played a pivotal role, limiting Sanders and Hunter’s opportunities by forcing quick Colorado punts and applying consistent pressure.
The Buffaloes made it interesting when Hunter’s second touchdown catch pulled them within 23-21 in the third quarter. But Neal answered immediately, capping an 80-yard Kansas drive with another touchdown. On the next possession, Kansas sacked Sanders on third down, forcing a three-and-out. Neal then delivered the knockout blow with his third rushing touchdown, concluding an eight-minute drive that left Colorado with little time for a rally.
The Buffaloes’ frustrations boiled over when Sanders appeared to shove an official after a sack, adding to their struggles on both sides of the ball. Defensive lapses, including two penalties on Shilo Sanders, and their inability to stop Neal and the Kansas offensive line proved too much to overcome.
For Colorado, the loss significantly complicates their Big 12 title hopes. The Buffaloes must now defeat Oklahoma State in their regular-season finale and hope for help elsewhere to secure a spot in the conference championship game. Despite the setback, Sanders set a school record with his 30th touchdown pass of the season, and Hunter continued to strengthen his Heisman candidacy with eight catches for 125 yards and two scores.
Kansas, meanwhile, is one win away from securing bowl eligibility for the third consecutive season, a feat the program has never accomplished. The Jayhawks will look to punch their ticket next week when they visit Baylor.
The Buffaloes travel to Stillwater to face Oklahoma State on Friday. The Jayhawks wrap up the regular season at Baylor on Saturday, needing one more win to reach a bowl game.
Kansas’ upset victory showcased the team’s resilience and highlighted Neal’s star power, leaving the Jayhawks on the brink of history while dashing Colorado’s hopes of an easy path to the Big 12 title game.
