"Dirty AF": Colorado fans call out referees as Shedeur Sanders' takes a massive hit against Kansas

Fans of the No. 16 Colorado Buffaloes weren't happy with referees after quarterback after quarterback Shedeur Sanders took a hard hit during Saturday's Week 13 game against the Kansas Jayhawks. Sanders is hoping to lead his team to a pivotal win to boost their chances of competing in the College Football Playoff. However, Kansas is proving to be a tough opponent.

Kansas (4-6, 3-4 Big 12) struck first, with quarterback Jalon Daniels connecting on a 51-yard touchdown pass to running back Devin Neal. Since then, Colorado (8-2, 6-1) has struggled to gain momentum in the game.

The Jayhawks' defense stifled Sanders and the Buffaloes' offense in the first half. However, fans believe the referees missed a roughing-the-passer call when Sanders took a late hit in the second quarter.

Kansas' defensive end Dean Miller dove at Sanders' legs after an incomplete pass, flipping the NFL draft prospect onto the back of his head. Sanders recovered and later threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Drelon Miller, but fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to vent their frustration over the lack of a penalty.

"Dirty AF," a fan wrote.

"How's that not roughing 😂😂😂," another fan responded.

"D**n that's intentional as f**k," a third fan wrote.

"SHOULD'VE EJECTED HIM! THAT'S SO DIRTY!" another fan reacted.

"That was almost career ending omg that's cheap," another commented.

"That's disgusting, should've been kicked out of the game," another added.

Colorado Buffaloes need win for College Football Playoff opportunity

The Buffaloes want to keep their playoff chances alive and extend their winning streak. They have turned their season around after having a 4-2 record in Week 7.

Colorado's last loss came in a close 31-28 matchup against the Kansas State Wildcats (7-3, 4-3) on Oct. 12. Since then, they’ve won four straight games, climbing to second place in the Big 12.

Colorado's chances of making the College Football Playoffs increased when Kansas defeated the No. 14 BYU Cougars (9-1, 6-1) in Week 12 on Nov. 16.

A victory over Kansas, combined with another BYU loss, would strengthen Colorado’s position in the Big 12 race. However, the Buffaloes will need to step up offensively and tighten their defense to secure a win against the Jayhawks.