Know Your Foe: Colorado Buffaloes Bring Dangerous Playmakers, Desperate for First Big 12 Win Against Oklahoma State

STILLWATER, Okla. — Oklahoma State returns to Boone Pickens Stadium on Saturday looking to bounce back from its first Big 12 loss of the season, but the Cowboys will face a Colorado team that has shown it can be dangerous despite its record.

The Buffaloes enter the matchup at 2-4 overall and 0-3 in Big 12 play under head coach Deion Sanders. However, Colorado nearly pulled off an upset against undefeated Utah last weekend, rallying from a 13-point halftime deficit before falling 27-24.

For Oklahoma State, which suffered a 35-32 loss at Houston, Saturday presents an opportunity to get back on track during America's Greatest Homecoming.

Here's a closer look at the Buffaloes.

One of the biggest storylines surrounding Colorado's offense has been its quarterback situation.

Redshirt freshman Julian Lewis has shown flashes of his potential, including a record-setting performance against Weber State earlier this season.

Lewis has completed 64.2% of his passes for 733 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions. However, it was Isaac Wilson who led Colorado against Utah last weekend.

Wilson, who previously played at Utah, helped engineer the Buffaloes' second-half comeback against his former team. His performance included a 68-yard touchdown pass to running back JaQuail Smith and a late scoring connection with wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. Wilson also threw two interceptions, illustrating the inconsistency Colorado has experienced offensively.

The Buffaloes have several receiving threats capable of creating problems for Oklahoma State's secondary. Joseph Williams leads Colorado with 37 receptions for 508 yards and five touchdowns, while Moore has added 23 catches for 312 yards and two scores. Moore's 48-yard reception late against Utah helped set up Colorado's final touchdown.

Running backs Smith and DeKalon Taylor also made significant contributions against the Utes. Taylor scored on an 18-yard run, while Smith turned a short reception into one of Colorado's biggest plays.

For Oklahoma State, limiting explosive plays will be critical after Houston quarterback Conner Weigman threw for 343 yards and five touchdowns against the Cowboys.

Although Colorado has struggled to win games, its defense showed encouraging signs against Utah. The Buffaloes held an unbeaten Utah team to 27 points, becoming the first opponent this season to keep the Utes below 30.

Linebacker Gideon Lampron delivered one of his strongest performances, recording 11 tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack. Lampron has been one of Colorado's most productive defensive players this season and figures to be an important part of the Buffaloes' efforts to slow Oklahoma State's offense.

Colorado also generated two takeaways against Utah. Defensive lineman Dylan Manuel intercepted a deflected shovel pass near the goal line, while defensive back Naeten Mitchell intercepted Utah quarterback Devon Dampier during the third quarter. Those plays helped Colorado remain competitive despite its offensive struggles.

The Buffaloes will face a significant challenge Saturday against Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker. Mestemaker has thrown for at least 300 yards in five consecutive games, including 365 yards and three touchdowns against Houston. Oklahoma State ranks among the nation's top five teams in both passing offense and total offense.

Colorado's biggest issue has been its inability to consistently finish games. The Buffaloes have dropped four consecutive contests, including Big 12 losses to Baylor, Texas Tech and Utah.

Colorado has also struggled with turnovers and penalties, two areas Oklahoma State will need to capitalize on. The Buffaloes enter the matchup with a negative turnover margin and have frequently hurt themselves with penalties.

Oklahoma State experienced similar problems against Houston, committing nine penalties and turning the football over twice. If the Cowboys can play cleaner football and establish an early lead, they could put additional pressure on a Colorado team still searching for its first conference victory.

Another key matchup will involve Oklahoma State's receiving corps against Colorado's secondary. Wyatt Young has emerged as one of the Big 12's most productive receivers, averaging 93.5 receiving yards per game. Combined with Mestemaker's passing ability and Caleb Hawkins' versatility out of the backfield, Oklahoma State has several ways to challenge Colorado's defense.

Colorado's 2-4 record doesn't tell the entire story. The Buffaloes demonstrated against Utah that they can compete with quality opponents, and Sanders has continued to emphasize his team's determination despite its disappointing start.

For Oklahoma State, the challenge will be avoiding another slow start while improving the defensive execution that proved costly against Houston.

The Cowboys enter Saturday's game at 4-2 overall and 2-1 in conference play, while Colorado is still searching for its first Big 12 win. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT on FS1.

Oklahoma State will have the advantage of a sold-out Homecoming crowd, but the Cowboys cannot afford to overlook a Colorado team capable of making explosive plays and creating turnovers.