This game never should have gone to overtime, but the Colorado Buffaloes still pulled off the 27-24 win against Kansas State to get their first conference win of the season. It was also just their second Big 12 win in the past two seasons.

It was an ugly game from start to finish for both teams. Neither team had over 230 passing yards, but the real difference was Colorado's performance on the ground. They ran for a season-high 222 rushing yards. Their 5.2 yards per attempt was also impressive after averaging under two yards per carry last week.

Even with a 3-5 record, this was a positive milestone for the program. They ended a five-game losing streak and showed grit and determination to win after failing to play a full 60 minutes in their past two games.

Here is everything we learned from Colorado's overtime win against Kansas State.

Colorado has a true running back

Why Richard Young only had 16 carries before this game is a mystery. Still, he was the primary back, logging 24 carries for 120 yards and two touchdowns, including a 22-yard score in the fourth quarter to put the Buffaloes ahead. Colorado's other running backs, including JaQuail Smith and DeKalon Taylor, have shown promise at times. However, no other running back has played like a prototypical power back for Colorado this season. Young is a senior, but he still has one year of eligibility remaining after spending his first three years in college with Alabama. Therefore, Colorado can lean on him not only for the rest of this season, but also for next season. 

Deion Sanders' job is safe … for now

If Colorado had lost this game, Sanders' fate would have likely been sealed. But after this overtime win, Coach Prime still has hope. The Buffaloes found a balance between the run and the pass at times, although they are still primarily a run-first team. The defense is also playing at a high level, which gives them the chance to get more wins this season. However, if Colorado does not build on this week when they face Arizona State next week, Sanders could be back on the hot seat.

Gideon Lampron is emerging as an NFL draft prospect

After playing his first three seasons in the FCS before transferring to Bowling Green in 2025 and subsequently transferring to Colorado for this season, Lampron has emerged as a top defender on the Buffaloes' defense. He has at least eight tackles in every game this season, but his best performance came this week with 15 total tackles, including eight solo tackles, four tackles for loss, and two sacks. With the season he is having, Lampron could certainly be drafted at the end of April.

Joseph Williams needs to be a factor in every game

Colorado has generally done a good job of making sure Joseph Williams gets his hands on the football. However, this was only the second time this season Williams has finished a game without reaching 100 yards or scoring a touchdown. The first game was against Utah two weeks ago. Williams was still the leading receiver, but he should have more than five catches in a game. As Colorado finishes the season, they need to ensure he gets more touches.

Colorado can still make a bowl game

It's hard to imagine, given how bad the Buffaloes have looked during their five-game losing streak, but they can still get into a bowl game this season. This win puts them at 3-5, meaning they need three more wins to become bowl-eligible. Colorado has little room for error with only four games left. They will face Arizona State on the road, Houston at home, Cincinnati on the road and UCF at home to finish the regular season. Their best shot at reaching six wins is next week against the Sun Devils, followed by wins against the Bearcats and Knights. These are all winnable games for the Buffaloes, especially given how hot-and-cold all three teams have been.