Colorado matchup against Kansas State is a statement game

When Colorado defeated FCS big dog, North Dakota State, by only five points, everyone expected them to struggle when it the time came for them to play the tougher opponents on the schedule.

Already matching their win total from a year ago and hosting their first ranked opponent of the season, the Buffs should be treating this game as a statement game.

Getting trampled by Nebraska, didn't help the Buffs case to be a legitimate contender for the 12-team playoffs. The chatter that went on last season -- bad defense and bad offensive line -- continued but a three game win streak has given the Buffs another opportunity to prove themselves as the real deal.

Would beating Kansas State be enough?

Just beating Kansas State won't be enough though. Kansas State has been up and down in their last two games, losing to BYU 38-9 followed by a 42-20 blowout win against Oklahoma State. Avery Johnson is one of the best quarterbacks in the Big 12, but BYU exposed the sophomore dual-threat quarterback.

Colorado's defense hasn't proved to be reliable but here is the chance they've been waiting for. Stopping a quarterback like Johnson can be the spark they need but they will have to do it without starting safety, Shilo Sanders.

Coach Prime and the Buffs can't afford another loss if they want to have any chance at being in the picture for the 12-team playoffs.