“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
– Ferris Bueller
Buff Nation –
I have a vivid childhood memory of being in Lancaster, PA, when an Amish horse-drawn buggy came rolling by. My dad called my mom to come outside and see it. Her reply? “In a minute.” To which my dad shouted back, “Come out now—it’ll be over in a minute.” Even as a child, I understood his point. Sometimes, life hands us fleeting moments—opportunities that pass in the blink of an eye—and we have to make the choice to stop what we’re doing and look up. Whether it’s an Amish buggy rolling by or the CU Buffs controlling their own destiny for a spot in the College Football Playoffs, the time to act is now. It could all be over before we realize it.
The transformation of the CU Football program has captured the attention of the nation. Whether at home or away, 8 PM or 10 AM, the Buffs are now prime-time entertainment.
It’s hard to believe that just two years ago, the Buffs were struggling, losing eleven games by an average of 32.36 points. Now, with everything still within reach, the Buffs are on a path to potentially earn a spot in the title game—one that requires fighting through five critical games ahead: Utah (11/16), @Kansas (11/22), Oklahoma State (11/29), BYU (Big 12 Title, 12/7), and the CFP Quarterfinals (12/31). Even the most seasoned pundits are now considering hot yoga to manage their nerves.
If the Buffs win the Big 12 and rank higher than the ACC champion (Miami or SMU) or the Mountain West champion (Boise), they could earn a first-round bye in the CFP. It’s all within reach. Win the Big 12, and Travis Hunter could walk away with the Heisman, Coach Prime could claim Coach of the Year, and Shedeur Sanders could be the first quarterback off the board in the NFL draft. Depending on which team holds the #1 pick, either Hunter or Shedeur could be the first name called.
The moment is here. The time is now. Don’t blink—before you know it, it’ll be over in a minute.
Lady luck shined down on the Colorado Buffaloes as they rested during their bye last weekend. Unlikely losses by Kansas State and Iowa State have thrust the Buffs into the conversation of legitimate contenders for the college football 12 team playoffs.
Win out over these final four games (the Buffs should be favored in all of them), and Colorado will find itself playing BYU on December 7 in Arlington, TX for the Big 12 championship, which comes with an automatic bid to the playoffs for the winner. A date which has been labeled one of infamy in U.S. History, would be considered a day of virtue by Buff Nation if the Buffs come away victorious.
So, in spite of the ski resorts opening early this season, let’s try not to get too far out over our skis. The Buffs can’t go 4-0 on the remainder of the season without going 1-0 tomorrow. On the road in Lubbock, TX, the Buffs will take on Texas Tech (2PM MT kickoff). Coming off a tremendous victory over Iowa State last weekend, the Red Raiders will be looking to take down the Buffs and continue to contend for a Big 12 title of their own.
Coach Prime and the 2024 Buffs have exceeded all pre-season expectations. Congratulations. Yet, too whom much is given, much is expected, and for the Buffs, two-thirds of the way through the season, expectations are sky high. To quote the great Ricky Bobby, If you ain’t first, you’re last, and for the Buffs to make the playoffs, they are going to need to be first in the Big 12.
The games to remember are played in November and the Buffs are in pole position to make it a memorable month of football for Buff nation. It’s Arlington or bust (starting in Lubbock).
Just like our boy Mark Wahlberg’s transformation from Chris Cole to Izzy in Rock Star, after a few false starts, our 2024 Buffs have transformed themselves from a one trick pony side hustle into a full fledged big top entertainment attraction which would have made P.T. Barnum proud.
While there was a lot of pomp and circumstance when Coach Prime arrived in Boulder last year with his Louis Vuitton luggage, 2024 was always deemed to be the year we would see if the grand experiment would pay off. Is it possible to build a team almost 100% through the transfer portal? A victory tomorrow night over Cincinnati, will answer that question with an emphatic yes. It will also deliver bowl eligibility (6 win minimum) which hasn’t been seen in these parts in 2,924 days (10/22/16). The 2020 Covid 4 game qualifier doesn’t count. A win also gets me $1,000 on the over/under 5.5 games for the season. So, there’s that. Baby needs shoes (baby)!
Tomorrow’s game is sold out. Not only is it Family Weekend, but the Buffs are must see TV. This is the fifth nationally televised game of the season. While the fans will be decked out in black, the sidelines will be packed with high star recruits.
It’s time to feel the the sensation of being a destination football program. It’s time to feel the vibration of the metal stands as 50+ thousand fans stamp their feet. The Buffs are back. Feel it feel it
“If you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth! But you gotta be willing to take the hits.”
– Rocky Balboa
Buff Nation –
The Buffs pulled a Cougar late Saturday night against Kansas State by holding on too tight, clutching defeat from the jaws of victory. All dressed up in Gold and nowhere to go, Buff Nation would have to wait before they enter the upper echelon of the nation’s ranked opponents.
Yet, even with the loss, the Buffs are 4-2 at the mid-point of the 2024 season. Competitive in all but one of their games this season, the Buffs have proven they don’t suck anymore. In all probability, they will also make a bowl game. Yet, now “just” a bowl game seems hollow. It seems only fine. It feels like there is more on the table, and it’s time go out and get what they are worth. The opportunity before them will disappear soon.
The Buffs are at a tipping point in the season between good and great. Win at AZ and the Buffs roll through the rest of their schedule (more or less), but definitely find themselves in a Big XXII conference footrace with an upper tier bowl game as a consolation prize. Lose, and the Buffs will be chasing middling achievement for the remainder of the season.
Every week, millions tune in to see what the Buffs are up to. Coach Prime continues to capture the attention of the nation. What is it worth to have one of the best players in the country in Travis Hunter and arguably the best college QB in Shedeur Sanders as teammates? What is the legacy, the leave behind, the residual effect? How will 2024 be remembered? It’s time for the Buffs to switch to guns and buzz the tower on this season.
In their strong to quite strong performance against UCF just prior to their bye week, the CU Buffs gave notice that they were ready to step into the Buff Nation circle of trust.
This was the Buff team we had been hoping for. A strong run game to compliment the passing attack, and a strong rush defense to compliment the skilled secondary. Yeah, we see you Buffs. We see you.
Yet, Buff Nation, more than most, know that love hurts. We know love leaves scars and just because we bruise on the inside, it doesn’t mean they aren’t there. We cannot be blamed for proceeding with caution.
One quality win is an anomaly, and two is a tread. Come Saturday night, under the (late) lights of Folsom field, those who are still awake in America, will see Folsom Field as electric as it has ever been. After an all-day pre-game/kick-back/dardy (“day party” for those who don’t have the college vernacular down) 50,000 fans wearing gold apparel will fill Folsom to capacity for the “Gold Rush” pivotal game of the season.
Beat #18 Kansas State and the entire ceiling of how high this football club can climb will be ripped off. No longer will success be limited to bowl qualification. A 5-1 record has not been seen in these parts since 2001. With that type of record, and that type of momentum, pun aside, a win will move the goal post of success further out. We will begin to talk of conference championships and… (inside voice) playoffs.
Come early Sunday morning, Buff Nation will know if that win over UCF, which provided so much hope was 24K Magic or if we are just living in a fool’s paradise.
