Don't Look Now, But These Colorado Buffaloes Are for Real

Filed under: Kansas State, Big 12

For the past couple seasons, Colorado has been that program to keep an eye on.

Now the Buffaloes have our full attention after knocking off No. 21 Kansas State, 74-66, in Manhattan, Kan. Wednesday night for their second straight win over a ranked opponent -- opening Big 12 play a stunning 2-0.

The Buffaloes, who made considerable strides as a dangerous young team under Jeff Bzdelik last season, may be on the verge of something special with Tad Boyle now in control after Bzedelik bolted in the offseason to Wake Forest.

Bzdelik left behind perhaps one of the best young shooting guards in the country in sophomore Alec Burks, who has taken his game to another level. The reigning Big 12 Freshman of the Year scored just 12 points Wednesday night but he was coming off a superb game against Missouri in which he scored a career-high 36 points in the 89-76 upset of the No. 8 Tigers.

Boyle, who has often said Colorado is his dream job, has been smart enough to ride Cory Higgins and Burks. Colorado (13-4) is riding a six-game winning streak and, with Wednesday's win, broke a 14-year winless streak against ranked teams on the road.

It's still early, but perhaps a return to the NCAA Tournament could be next. The Buffaloes could be primed to take Kansas State's expected spot with the preseason favorite Wildcats starting conference play a shocking 0-2.

Look for the Buffaloes to go from receiving votes to breaking into the Top 25 next week if they can run their winning streak to seven straight with a win Saturday against Oklahoma State.

Susan Ward Emmy Rossum Kim Yoon jin Melania Trump Summer Glau