Colorado Buffaloes Football Predictions (Games 7-12)

This leaves KSU with a 3-3 record when they face Colorado. Similar records, but the Wildcats will have lost three of four, and will be 0-2 in Big 12 play. Considering that Kansas State went into the tank after a 5-3 start in 2007, is a repeat in 2008 too hard to contemplate?

Why there is reason to lose sleep the night before the game:

1) 47-20. Kansas State was a good team, but certainly not a great team, when they faced Colorado in Manhattan in 2007. The Wildcats were 3-2, with respectable losses to Auburn and Kansas, and an upset win over then No. 7 Texas.

The result of the 2007 game, though, made K-State look like world-beaters, and the Buffs look very mortal. Considering Kansas State won only one more game in 2007 (and that was against Baylor), the Wildcat players must look back fondly at the 2007 result, and are looking forward to similar success in 2008.

2) Prince v. Hawkins. While there is optimism in Boulder about the future of the Buffs, the fact remains that Dan Hawkins is 0-2 against Ron Prince, and Prince’s 13-12 record is enviable compared to Hawkins’ 8-17. Until the Buffs beat the Wildcats, there is nothing in this series Buff fans can crow about.

3) The gauntlet. The Buffs will be coming off of a four-game stretch which few teams could survive. Three of the four will likely be in the top ten at some point in 2008 (West Virginia, Texas, and Kansas), with the fourth game being a road tilt against Florida State.

Buff fans will look at the schedule and see Kansas State as being a "breather." Comparatively, perhaps, but the Wildcats will not lay down for the Buffs just because Colorado had a tough September.

As important as the earlier games may be to the Buffs in claiming some national attention, this game may be the most important of the season in terms of bowl eligibility.

Kansas State game to keep an eye on before the CU/Kansas State game:

Kansas State at Louisville on Sept. 17. This is an important game to Buff fans for several reasons. If the Wildcats can handle the Cardinals (a team which underachieved at 6-6 in 2007), they will be 4-0 in non-conference play.

The game is on a Wednesday night (the night before the CU/West Virginia game), so national attention will be afforded the winner of the game. If KSU is 4-0 in non-conference games, they may be energized enough to stay with Texas Tech (see: Kansas State 41, No. 7 Texas 20, last season) and Texas A&M.

Win either one of those games, and it will be the Wildcats with all the momentum heading to Boulder on Oct. 18.

My thoughts: For a successful season, this game is a must for the Buffs. It’s at home, against a team with which the Buffs have equal or superior talent. Dan Hawkins is 0-2 against Ron Prince. Prince might not be around long enough for Hawkins to even the score in 2009.

Oct. 25 at Missouri

Fast Facts: After a 12-2 season in 2007, and with Heisman hopeful Chase Daniel returning for his senior season, Missouri is a legitimate contender for the national championship.

This is a far cry from previous seasons, when the Tigers were perennial underachievers (remember when head coach Gary Pinkel was on everyone’s "hot seat" list? That was 12 months ago).

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?