Talib Records Career-High Two Sacks in Win
Colorado linebacker Yamil Talib posted eight tackles and two sacks as the Buffaloes edged Kansas State 27-24 in overtime.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Football
Yamil Talib recorded a career-high eight tackles and two sacks in Colorado's 27-24 overtime win over Kansas State on Saturday. The performance came after Talib had nine tackles and no sacks in his first five games this season.
Why it matters
The breakout game gives Colorado a pass-rush presence heading into its next matchup against Arizona State, whose offensive line has allowed 25 sacks, the most in the Big 12. It also highlights the depth of a Buffaloes defense that has recorded 22 sacks this season, ranking fourth.
Talib's eight tackles and two sacks were both career highs, and he also recorded a 1-yard loss on a third-and-4 play for Kansas State's quarterback Dillon Duff. Last season at Charlotte, he totaled 37 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and an interception.
The players
Yamil Talib
Yamil Talib is a Colorado defensive player and nephew of five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Aqib Talib, having previously played at Charlotte and as a true freshman at Oklahoma State.
Colorado Buffaloes
The Colorado Buffaloes are the football program of the University of Colorado Boulder, competing in the Big 12 Conference.
The details
Talib dropped Kansas State quarterback Dillon Duff for a 1-yard loss on third-and-4 during the second possession and later sacked Blake Barnett for a 4-yard loss in the second quarter. Talib spoke with reporters Tuesday about the performance and the plan to set the tone early, stop the run and push Arizona State into third-and-long situations.
Timeline
Saturday: Colorado defeated Kansas State 27-24 in overtime.
Monday: Arizona State's coach acknowledged pass protection problems.
Tuesday: Talib spoke to reporters about his performance.
Season Trajectory
Colorado's 22 sacks rank fourth nationally, and Talib's two-sack performance strengthens a pass rush that could define the Buffaloes' Big 12 push. The matchup with an Arizona State line that has allowed 25 sacks gives Colorado a chance to build on that momentum.
Talib's two sacks and eight tackles give Colorado a more reliable pass-rush option for its next game against Arizona State. Fantasy managers tracking defensive players may want to note the increased role for the Buffaloes' linebackers.
The takeaway
Talib's breakout game shows how a player can change a defense's identity in a single contest. Watching whether he can sustain that production against Arizona State will be a key test for Colorado.
What happens next
Colorado's next game is against Arizona State.
Further reading
Explore more Boulder Football coverage for the latest on the Buffaloes' defense.
