Can Colorado pull off a Week 9 upset against Kansas State if Avery Johnson can't play? The Wildcats enter Boulder as 1.5-point favorites, but Johnson's injury status could determine whether Colorado earns its first Big 12 victory of the season. Hosted by PFN's Cam Mellor and Oli Hodgkinson, this CFB Week 9 prediction focuses on Colorado's defensive front, led by Santana Hopper, and whether the Buffaloes can contain Kansas State's rushing attack. PFN's College Football Playoff Meter gives Kansas State a 73.1% win probability, but both hosts see a path to a Colorado upset. Johnson's availability is critical, especially with Colorado's struggling offense and vulnerable secondary. Use PFN's FREE CFB Playoff Predictor → Hit subscribe → ---------------- MORE FREE PFN TOOLS NFL Playoff Predictor → NFL Mock Draft Simulator → #CollegeFootball #CFBPredictions #ColoradoBuffaloes

Chris Marve praised Santana Hopper and Dylan Manuel as Colorado hopes to generate interior pressure against Oklahoma State QB Drew Mestemaker.

The Colorado Buffaloes' interior defensive line is being counted on by defensive coordinator Chris Marve against the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

These three Colorado Buffaloes players will be crucial to any chance they have at pulling off an upset over the No. 11 Utah Utes.

Santana Hopper and Lamont Lester Jr. are two of the top Big 12 quarterback pressure leaders entering the Buffaloes Week 6 bye.

Santana Hopper earned one of PFF's highest defensive grades after an impressive individual performance against Texas Tech.

Colorado Buffaloes defensive lineman has high hopes for the Buffs' bye week and beyond despite an ugly Week 5 loss.

High praise is coming in for one Colorado Buffalo despite recent losses for the team.

Colorado's defense is first in the Big 12 and third nationally in a major defensive category after a disruptive showing vs. Texas Tech