BOULDER, Colo. – – Avery Johnson recovered from a costly interception by finding Jayce Brown for a 50-yard touchdown with 2:14 remaining as No. 18 Kansas State defeated Colorado 31-28 on Saturday night.

The dual-threat quarterback for the Wildcats (5-1, 2-1 Big 12) finished with a rushing score and two passing TDs, both to Brown.

Leading 21-7 in the third quarter, the Wildcats watched the Buffaloes (4-2, 2-1) steadily chip away. Colorado took the lead when Shedeur Sanders threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to LaJohntay Wester with 3:12 left.

The score was set up when Johnson’s tipped pass resulted in a 59-yard interception return from cornerback Colton Hood, who came on after two-way star Travis Hunter left the game with an apparent shoulder injury.

Johnson needed just three plays to help Kansas State regain the lead. The Wildcats defense stopped the Buffaloes on downs to cement the win.

It was nearly the second consecutive magical comeback at Folsom Field for the Buffaloes. They beat Baylor in overtime last month after hooking it up on a Hail Mary pass with no time remaining in regulation.

DJ Giddens finished with 182 yards, becoming the first tailback this season to break 100 against the Buffaloes.

It was a successful return to Folsom Field for Wildcats tailback Dylan Edwards. He was a true freshman with the Buffaloes last season before transferring to Kansas State. Edwards had a 1-yard touchdown run.

The Buffaloes’ three-game winning streak came to a halt. More concerning was the health of Hunter, who appeared to hurt his shoulder when he caught a pass from Shedeur Sanders and ran full-speed Daniel Cobbs to safety in the second quarter.

Hunter is a Heisman hopeful because of his play at cornerback and receiver. Before leaving, he showed off his blocking skills by picking off a defender and allowing Wester to score on a 25-yard pass.

Before the interception and comeback, Johnson was having all kinds of fun on the field. He broke out the “Deion Shuffle” after a goal and with Colorado coach Deion Sanders on the other sideline. Johnson also took a selfie with a fan in the stands who handed him their phone as he rode a stationary bike.

Johnson briefly went to the locker room in the third quarter holding his left side, but returned to throw a TD pass to make it 21–7.

Shedeur Sanders finished 34 of 40 for 388 yards and three scores. He completed a school-best 16 straight passes and almost had a 17th in a row, but Will Sheppard dropped a pass into his hands. Soon after, Sheppard made up for it with a tough 7-yard TD reception to make it 21-14.

The takeaway

Kansas State: Found a way to escape with a win after giving up the lead.

Colorado: The Buffaloes struggled early on defense without Hunter, allowing 17 points on three straight drives.

Celebrity sightings

Longtime NBA standout Carmelo Anthony stood on the sidelines in a Colorado Avalanche jersey. Kevin Durant also appeared on Colorado’s bench. The Phoenix Suns will play the Denver Nuggets in preseason play on Sunday night.

Also in attendance was Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook.

Next

Kansas State: Next Saturday at West Virginia.

Colorado: Saturday in Arizona.

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