If Colorado buffalo they were playing Kansas Jayhawks of last month, would be a much bigger favorite than where I sit now before Saturday.

On Oct. 20, Kansas was one of the most disappointing teams in the Big 12, going 2-5 after its first conference win, a 42-14 loss to Houston. Still, the Jayhawks were staring down the barrel of a three-game stretch against ranked conference foes Kansas State, Iowa State and BYU. Kansas lost by two points to Kansas State before the upset cyclone and Cougars. Suddenly, the Jayhawks look like the team we were promised before the season. However, has it changed that much during Kansas’ streak?

This season, Kansas’ offense has averaged 30.2 points per game and allowed 24.6. Over the past three games, the Jayhawks have averaged 30.3 points and allowed 26 per contest.

Here are five keys to Colorado beating Kansas on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium:

Keep Jalon Daniels in your pocket

Jalon Daniels is a tremendous athlete who can beat teams with both his arms and legs. Over the last three games, Kansas’ quarterback has worked a lot more with his feet. In the Jayhawks’ first four conference games, Daniels averaged six hurries and never topped seven. Over the past three games, Daniels has 37 rushing attempts for 149 yards and two touchdowns.

Daniels has arm talent, but he’s completed just 56.6 percent of his passes this year and can be prone to turnovers, throwing 10 interceptions on the year. The Buffs need to make Daniels a passer and not let him blow them up in the running game.

Offense, keep your foot on the gas

The buffalo owns the best offense in the conference, averaging 38.9 points in Big 12 games. Colorado has scored at least 28 points in every Big 12 game, eclipsing the 30-point mark in six games and scoring over 40 in three. CU’s most recent outing was a 49-point outburst against Utah Utesa team that had the Big 12’s best scoring defense. Kansas has allowed teams to score this year, and CU needs to take advantage.

Win the battle for turnover

Kansas has a positive turnover margin in 2024, getting 17 interceptions or fumbles while turning the ball over 14 times. In their four wins combined, the Jayhawks have won the turnover battle, 8-4. Meanwhile, Kansas turned the ball over 11 times in its six losses, compared to just nine turnovers.

Win the trenches

Kansas was sneakily good in the trenches on both sides of the ball. The Jayhawks enter Saturday’s game with 24 sacks (third in the Big 12) and have allowed just nine sacks (first in the Big 12). Kansas also averages the third-most yards per game at 200.3.

The Buffs are much improved along both lines, especially on the defensive side of the ball. They lead the Big 12 in sacks (33) and their run defense has allowed 3.7 yards per carry. Their offensive line hasn’t allowed more than three sacks since Oct. 12 against Kansas State.

Continue the warrior magic of the road

Colorado has totally dominated on the road this year during conference play. The Buffs are 3-0 away from Boulder by a 123-55 scoring margin. Many CU fans will probably go to Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, but I want to see the Buffs treat this as a true road game.

Further reading

READING: Six Lovers, including Shedeur Sanders, accept East-West Shrine Bowl invitations

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Keys for Colorado defeating the red-hot Kansas Jayhawks