In a pivotal Big 12 matchup on Saturday, the Kansas State Wildcats held a 14-7 lead over the Colorado Buffaloes by halftime.
The Wildcats started strong, scoring on their opening drive in just eight plays, capped off by a seven-yard touchdown run from DJ Giddens. They struck again with just over seven minutes remaining in the first quarter, when quarterback Avery Johnson connected with Dylan Edwards on a six-yard touchdown pass.
Colorado managed to respond on the ensuing drive, as Shedeur Sanders orchestrated a nine-play, 75-yard drive, finishing with a nine-yard touchdown pass to Dallan Hayden. This put the Buffaloes within one score, but it was clear they were missing a key piece in Travis Hunter.
Hunter, Colorado’s two-way superstar, was notably absent for most of the second quarter after suffering an injury. ESPN’s sideline reporter mentioned that Hunter was tackled “solidly” by a Kansas State defender and soon after asked to be taken out of the game, heading to the locker room with a shoulder injury. His absence was felt, as he missed the last 13 plays of the half. Before the injury, Hunter had recorded three receptions for 26 yards on offense and made one tackle on defense. He played 23 offensive snaps and 21 defensive snaps before his departure.