Charlie Williams Comes Up Big as Colorado Tops Kansas State 27-24 in Overtime
BOULDER, Colo. — Charlie Williams caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Isaac Wilson in overtime Saturday, lifting Colorado to a 27-24 victory over Kansas State in a closely contested Big 12 matchup. The Buffaloes overcame a last-second Kansas State touchdown that forced overtime, responding with the game-winning score after the Wildcats briefly took the lead on a field goal. Colorado established an early advantage behind its rushing attack. R. Young opened the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter, giving the Buffaloes a 7-0 lead. Kansas State answered in the second quarter when quarterback Blake Barnett connected with Josh Manning on a 28-yard touchdown pass with 2:25 remaining before halftime. Luis Rodriguez added the extra point to send the teams into the break tied at seven. The Buffaloes regained the lead midway through the third quarter when J. Smith broke free for a 47-yard touchdown run. Kansas State responded on the final play of the period as Barnett found Linkon Cure for a 33-yard touchdown, tying the game at 14 entering the fourth quarter. Colorado moved back in front early in the final period. Young scored his second rushing touchdown of the afternoon, this time from 22 yards out, putting the Buffaloes ahead 21-14 with 12:27 remaining. The Wildcats mounted one final drive in regulation, with Barnett finding Garrett Oakley for an 8-yard touchdown pass with just two seconds remaining. Rodriguez converted the extra point to tie the game at 21 and force overtime.
Kansas State opened the extra period with a field goal from Rodriguez, taking its first lead of the game at 24-21. Colorado responded on its overtime possession, with Wilson connecting with Williams for the decisive 11-yard touchdown. The reception secured the Buffaloes' three-point victory and prevented Kansas State from completing its late comeback.
Barnett led the Wildcats offensively, completing 18 of 28 passes for 224 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Manning finished with a team-high six receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown, while Cure contributed three catches for 65 yards and another score. Kansas State also received 65 rushing yards on 12 carries from Rodney Fields Jr., who averaged 5.4 yards per attempt. The Wildcats finished with 347 total offensive yards, including 226 through the air. Defensively, Logan Bartley led Kansas State with nine tackles, including five solo stops and one tackle for loss. Jayden Bryant recorded a sack, while Jordan Allen and Eli Jackson each contributed half a sack. Despite Kansas State's ability to answer Colorado's scoring drives throughout the afternoon, the Buffaloes capitalized on their opportunity in overtime. Williams' game-winning reception capped a contest in which Colorado held the lead for most of regulation before surrendering a late touchdown. The Buffaloes ultimately responded with the final score, securing a 27-24 victory over their conference opponent at home. Clarify Colorado’s lead changesTrim the repetitive ending
