Colorado opened Big 12 play with a shocking win over Baylor that required a last-second Hail Mary to force overtime. After this win, the Buffs destroyed UCF on the road and started the league 2-0.

Considering CU finished 1-8 in conference play each of the last two seasons, that's undeniable progress. The challenge is that second-year coach Deion Sanders has — for better or worse — fueled the headline machine, demanding a greater level of control.

If the Buffs had held off Kansas State, they would have demanded a few flowers – including from you. They also had a good chance to erase a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter and take a late lead of 28-24.

However, Colorado couldn't finish the job.

Avery Johnson found DJ Giddens on a swing pass for a 34-yard gain, then Jayce Brown grabbed a contested ball for a game-winning 50-yard touchdown. K-State's defense soon sealed the 31-28 victory.

A loss would have made it difficult for Kansas State to stay in contention. Instead, the Wildcats made CU the fifth Big 12 program with a conference record of one loss behind the three undefeated.

This placement will be a beautiful disaster for several weeks.