Kansas State faces a difficult task stopping Colorado’s two-way tight end Travis Hunter in Big 12 play

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) – Kansas State in search of ways to limit the impact of Colorado’s top receiver. The same goes for the Buffaloes’ top defenseman.

That it happens to be the identical person impresses Wildcats coach Chris Klieman much more. Travis Hunter is a rare two-way player who has been on the pitch for 93% of friendly matches this season.

Ironman football indeed.

“He does it at such a high level, on both sides of the ball, and he plays fast on both sides of the ball,” said Klieman, whose Wildcats in 18th place (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) will travel to Folsom Field on Saturday night for the primary time since 2010 to face the surging Buffaloes (4-1, 2-0). “It’s really impressive to watch him because he makes plays in both phases of the game – and at the most important moments.”

Hunter leads the team in receptions (46), receiving yards (561) and TDs (6). Defensively, he recorded two interceptions despite rarely being targeted, including zero against Baylor.

“Travis Hunter is one of the Heisman favorites for a reason,” said Kansas State dual-threat quarterback Avery Johnson. “He’s a really talented player and what he does on both sides of the ball is really special and not appreciated enough.”

Just don’t compare him to Colorado coach Deion Sanders, who was a multi-dimensional threat during his Hall of Fame NFL profession. Sanders wants Hunter to be in the highlight only for himself.

“I had my turn. I’m that old boxing trainer in the corner saying, “Left, right, left, right.” Hit him here. “Okay, come to the corner,” Sanders said. “This is who I am now. I had my turn. It’s not me who’s against him.”

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Both teams will likely be well rested after the week’s break. It’s also a late start, with the sport starting around 10:15 p.m. ET. This is a crucial conference game for the Wildcats, who’ve lost one league contest to BYU. The Buffaloes began their return to Big 12 league play with: victory in time beyond regulation Baylor followed by a victory at Central Florida.

“We are on track to where we are going,” Sanders said. “I love this direction.”

Dylan Edwards’ Wildcats?

A 12 months ago, highly touted recruit Dylan Edwards was in the Buffaloes’ backfield. The transfer later and now will likely be a part of the Wildcats’ powerful field game. Kansas State is averaging 6.93 yards per carry, trailing only Boise State (8.18). Sanders began joking when asked in regards to the Edwards fight.

“They modified their name to Dylan Edwards? That’s the name of the band now – Dylan Edwards? Sanders joked. “We’re not playing against Dylan Edwards. We’re playing against a rattling good football team, man. Dylan happens to be on their team. I really like this young man.

Slowing down Shedeur

After five games, Shedeur Sanders stays just off pace from last season, when he passed the single-season receiving yardage mark in Colorado. But he also missed the last game of the 12 months due to it back fracture. Behind the brand new offensive line, Sanders threw for 1,630 yards with 14 TDs. He has been sacked 17 times this season. He was sacked 25 times in five games last season.

“I think Sanders will be the first quarterback drafted” in the NFL draft, Klieman said. “He should be in a movie that has seen a lot of top guys.”

Slowing down the Wildcats

The Wildcats are sure to secure points, having scored 28 or more points in 12 of their last 13 games. Colorado’s defense will likely be fully strengthened with the return of backup Shilo Sanders, who missed the last three games with a forearm injury that required surgery.

“I can’t wait to see him back out there,” his father/coach said.

Avery & Co. Slowdown

Johnson is considered one of three Power-4 quarterbacks with at the least 800 passing yards and 300 rushing yards this season. He formed quite a dynamic tandem with DJ Giddens, who averages 120.8 meters when running.