WATCH: Colorado star Travis Hunter gets tackled by a Referee while defending against Kansas
A referee accidentally took cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter down during a defensive play. The No. 16 Colorado Buffaloes faced the Kansas Jayhawks in Week 13 on Nov. 23. Colorado came into the matchup looking to improve their chances of playing in the College Football Playoffs. However, the Jayhawks proved to be too much for them.
Kansas (5-6, 4-4 Big 12) defeated the Buffaloes (8-3, 6-2) 37-21 in a home game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The Jayhawks started the game strong, scoring ten points in the first quarter.
Kansas coach Lance Leipold was able to coach his defense to impose their will on the Buffaloes' offense to make every possession difficult. Meanwhile, Colorado suffered mishaps in defense, which worked in Kansas' favor.
One example occurred in the final moments of the second quarter. Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels ran with the football on 1st and 10. Hunter tried to make the tackle, but a referee ran into him. The interference led to Daniels' 31-yard run that put Kansas in a better position to score a field goal.
The Jayhawks had a few more plays to get closer before kicker Tabor Allen scored the field goal to put the team up 23-14 at halftime. Colorado's winning chances slimmed as the game continued in the second half. The Jayhawks' defense continued to be overwhelming and prevented the Buffaloes from making a comeback.
Kansas running back Devin Neal played a significant role in his team's victory over the Buffaloes with 37 carries for 207 yards and three touchdowns. He also had four receptions for 80 yards and had a receiving touchdown in the first quarter.
Travis Hunter & Shedeur Sanders had a good game despite Colorado's loss to Kansas
Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Hunter played well despite losing in Week 13. Sanders ended the game by completing 23 of 29 passes for 266 yards and three touchdowns. He also tried to use his running ability to keep his team in the contest with four carries for 26 yards.
Hunter had another good performance on offense and defense. He had eight receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns and the Colorado cornerback also had seven tackles.
Colorado will try to bounce back in their final regular-season game next Friday when they face the Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-8, 0-8) at home.