3 reasons why Deion Sanders' Colorado Buffaloes lost to K-State Wildcats in Week 7 face-off 

The Colorado Buffaloes suffered their second loss of the season, and their first loss of Big 12 play, in Week 7 as they fell 31-28 to the then-No.18-ranked Kansas State Wildcats. The Buffaloes fell to 4-2 with the loss, while the Wildcats improved to 5-1.

While Colorado trailed late in the game after coming back from a two-touchdown third-quarter deficit, they were unsuccessful in their efforts to pull off the upset.

Take a look at three reasons the Buffaloes were unable to emerge victorious against their conference rivals below.

3 reasons why Deion Sanders' Colorado Buffaloes lost to K-State Wildcats in Week 7 face-off

#1: Injuries

Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. have been the Colorado Buffaloes' two best wide receivers this season. Hunter, a two-way star who entered the week in Heisman Trophy conversations, has also been their best defensive back.

Both players suffered early injuries and did not return, combining for just six catches and 46 yards. Hunter recorded just one tackle as Wildcats wide receiver Jayce Brown had six receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns.

#2: Struggling running game and offensive line

The Buffaloes' running game has disappeared at times this season, and Week 7 was no different. They somehow accounted for negative yards, finishing with 19 carries for -29 yards. The offensive line was bad in pass blocking as they allowed quarterback Shedeur Sanders to be sacked six times. It was a strong contrast from their counterparts as the Wildcats had 185 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

#3: Poor fourth down decision from Shedeur Sanders

Despite losing his top-two receiving options, getting no help from his running game and playing behind a struggling offensive line, Shedeur Sanders played a great game. While he threw a go-ahead touchdown with just over three minutes left, Kansas State needed 58 seconds to reclaim the lead.

Sanders did not make many bad decisions in Week 7, however, his fourth down throw downfield was a head-scratcher. The Buffaloes needed just five yards to move the chains with well over a minute remaining. Instead, he unsuccessfully attempted a big gain, turning the ball over on downs.

It is hard to pin the loss on Sanders as he completed 85% of his passes for 388 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. The decision on the late incompletion, however, is one that he would surely like to have back.