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.
“We are on the way, not to compete but to win. Not to show up but to show out. Not to be among the rest but to be the absolute best.”
Coach Prime (Introductory Press Conference – 12/4/2022)
Buff Nation –
Coach Prime was hired over 650 days ago to turn this Colorado program around. A third of the way through the 2024 season the Buffs are 3-1, but it wasn’t easy, and that was the softer part of the schedule. Come this Saturday, the Buffs play on the road against undefeated University of Central Florida. The Knights boast the top rushing offense in the nation and are a 14-point favorite. Given CU’s inability to protect the quarterback, no one is expecting CU to win.
The Buffs may not have the best team, but they have the best player (#12) and one of the best QB’s (#2), and the best receiving corps in the nation. Coach Prime has often said he is a man that needs to be needed. I guess that can apply to all of us but come Saturday we need Coach Prime to deliver on his first major win of the season. To quote Fatboy Slim, a victory right here, right now would bring this program full circle and into the conference championship conversation. If CU wants to be taken seriously, they need to make the weight. It’s time to win a game they are projected to lose.
After nearly a two decades wandering in the wilderness, the Buffs are still on a vision quest, trying to find their way back to championship football. The 52,000 Buff Nation faithful who packed Folsom last Saturday in the pouring rain are evidence that the Buffs are not alone on this journey. A win on Saturday would be two miracles in as many weeks, and catapult CU’s season into one Coach Prime talked about all those days ago at his news conference.
“Whoa, we’re halfway there. Oh-oh, livin’ on a prayer.”
– Bon Jovi
Buff Nation –
I hope you stayed. Be it in the stands or in your living room, I hope you stayed. Every three decades the Buffs win (tie) on a Hail-Mary pass. First it was the Miracle in Michigan, and this past Saturday night it was the Finish at Folsom.
The moment was an instant ESPN classic. The rain poured down, and the fans poured onto the field (twice). The moment forever part of CU football lore. It was awesome.
The Buffs are 3-1 and halfway to bowl eligibility (Bon Jovi would be proud). There is no clear lead horse in the Big XXII. As long as CU keeps improving (O-line still way too sketchy) and #12 and #2 remain healthy, CU will be in contention for that elusive bowl bid.
Regarding #12, In the 134-year history of Colorado football, there has never been a player like Travis Hunter. With all due respect to Rashaan Salaam who won the Heisman in 1994, and a few other notables, Travis Hunter is 1 of 1. It’s not marketing. It’s not spin. It’s real. He is not to be taken for granted. Perhaps we’ll see him do kickoffs since we don’t have anyone on the team that can reach the endzone.
Here we go Buff fans. Take my hand, and we’ll make it. I swear.
“Success isn’t owned, it’s leased, and rent is due every day.”
– JJ Watt
Buff Nation –
The Triple Crown, Neptune’s Trident, The Holy Trinity. All around us number three is held in high esteem. Tomorrow, under what will be a rainy night, the Colorado Buffaloes seek their third win of the season in their Big XXII home opener against the Baylor Bears (6PM Kickoff / 3:30 Tailgate).
There aren’t too many games on the schedule in which CU will be favored to win (Cincy, Kansas), but this is one of them, and the Buffs would be wise to take advantage.
A third win for the Buffs would get them to the mid-way point of bowl eligibility with two-thirds of the season remaining. Bowl eligibility (arguably) is the benchmark for the 2024 Buffs. Get there and all is well. Miss out (failure to get to six wins) and tough questions will be asked (Coach Prime may choose not just to answer them). Fun fact – bowl eligibility will also be necessary for Travis Hunter to be considered for the Heisman. No Heisman since Paul Hornung (1969) has ever been awarded to a player on a losing team.
The good news is the Buffs looked like they took a big step forward in their dominating 28-9 victory over the CSU Rams last Saturday night. The O-line blocked well, Frosh running back Micah Welch showed promises of a run game (strong correlation), and the linebackers (Bentley, Hill-Green and Woods) all balled out. But now it’s back to work. Rent is due.
So, rain or shine, it’s Prime time Saturday night. Let’s see if Travis knows how to do the Griddy in the rain. Multiple times is preferred.
Steel yourself. For the first time in 28 years, CU will play in Fort Collins against the Colorado State Rams in a game that has seismic ramifications for this young 2024 Buff season.
In response to CSU players talking smack about the upcoming CU game, coach Prime said, “it’s personal.” I wish he wouldn’t do that. I wish Coach Prime would say nothing and treat the trek up to Fort Collins as a business trip. Leave the bling, the NIL estimates, the blenders, the celebrities, and the shiny golden coaches’ headsets (really?), back in Boulder, and take care of business on the road.
CSU just announced they will join the Pac-12 in 2025. They are coming off their first win of the season, and they know CU is not a particularly good team (not yet at least). In front of their home crowd with Boulder’s own Henry Blackburn at safety, the Rams will be playing for redemption, honor, and pride. CU shouldn’t need additional “it’s personal” motivation. CSU is right in front of their face.
Coach Prime, and the Buffs were at their best just before kickoff against TCU last year. The pre-game speech is legendary. It’s authentic. It’s organic.
Tomorrow night, CU needs to return to that raw state of desire. Play for the love of the game. Play for each other. Win the toss, take the ball and jump out to a 7-0 lead. Now is the time to throw the first punch. If not, CU may find itself sleeping among the fishes.
In Jospeh Conrad’s book Lord Jim, the protagonist prematurely abandons a sinking ship and spends the rest of the novel pursuing redemption after being shamed by his peers.
While disappointing and embarrassing, the loss to Nebraska this past Saturday does not warrant abandoning ship (although it does give us pause). A win in Lincoln was always a reach. The Buffs holding a 1-1 record at this stage in the young season was expected by many.
CU has two winnable games over the next two weeks (@ CSU, Baylor). A 3-1 record heading into BIG XXII play would provide the necessary momentum and hope for Buff Nation to hold the line, as CU’s Offensive line continues to figure out how to provide pass protection and open up some holes (football 101 in case Coach Prime is reading this blog).
If the performance continues to go south, we can meet again and see who we want to vote off the island. Until then, head up, not down. Hold the line. Love isn’t always on time.
“You ain’t a beauty, but hey, you’re alright” – Bruce Springsteen
Buff Nation –
Last Thursday, on a warm summer night, under the lights of a sold-out Folsom Field, the Colorado Buffaloes opened the 2024 football season against the North Dakota State Bison (NDST). Coach Prime and the Buffs had one job. Win the game and start getting ready for Nebraska.
The win over NDST was never going to be pretty. It did not have to be. It just needed to be a win. Mission accomplished. It wasn’t a beauty, but it was alright. The Bison will win the FCS national championship. At least, I hope they do. They are no slouch and would give any team in the Big XXII a run for their money.
While the Buffs still have questions on defense, and their offensive line played just average, they kept the main thing the main thing and secured the W. Congrats Coach Prime. You did your job.
Now, time to get serious. The University of Nebraska. The NU word is the FU word for any true Buff fan. No team in the history of Colorado’s 134-year existence stirs the innards of Buff Nation more than Nebraska. When it comes to these two teams, hate is still good.
All W’s count toward bowl eligibility, but some count more than others when defining who you are, past, present, and future. This game, more than anything other, matters the most with regards to CU’s storied history. One BNF reader shared “If we win this game and lose every game the rest of the year, it would still be a winning season…this game defines the season!”
CU will have their hands full to win this game, but I would not bet against Shedeur and Travis as they continue their magical mystery tour of being the best tandem in college sports. If CU’s offensive line shows incremental improvement, CU will win in a shootout. CU’s receiving corps is lethal. Nebraska will struggle to cover four NFL bound receivers.
Nebraska, like CU, is desperate to return to the days of glory. CU has been a thorn in their side as of late. Husker nation is placing their hope if 5-star Freshman QB Dylan Raiola who was a late decommit from GA. He played well in his first game against UTEP, but it was UTEP, so who really knows. Either way, we have two teams fighting for redemption.
A win in Lincoln will serve as the marquee victory of the young 2024 season and propel CU into bowling, if not playoff (inside voice) contention. Let’s go Buffs, in the name of love, bring the hate.
Go Buffs!
Doug
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Opponent Preview:
Nebraska Football Fun Facts:
NU Football holds the all-time NCAA record (all sports) for consecutive sellouts (#397).
On game day, Memorial stadium becomes the third largest city in NE. Folsom Field becomes CO’s 21st.
NU / CU have played 72 times over the past 125 years. A win on Saturday would give CU a four-game win streak, their longest. NU’s longest is 18 (freaking eighteen!) NU holds a 49-21-2 overall record against CU.
Nebraska had the fewest players transfer via the portal (9), while CU had the most (41).
Nebraska is one of 22 states in the Union without a professional sports team.
Just over a year ago, Coach Prime and the Colorado Buffaloes shocked the nation by beating #17 TCU on the road in the 2023 season opener. Crazy train had left the station, and everyone was welcomed to jump on board, and over the course of the next few weeks, the entire college football world did.
A win over hated Nebraska, set up ESPN College Game Day for the CU vs CSU showdown. A bitter backyard, I am going to lacerate your kidney game ensued with the Buffs going 3-0 on the season. The Rock, Lil Wayne, Blenders Glasses were all the rage. Yet, all that glitters is not gold, and CU finished the season on a 1-8 skid unable to win the close games, nor the ones which they were up by twenty-nine points.
An offseason which saw Colorado once again lead the nation in transfer portal activity came with mixed reviews. On paper CU has significantly upgraded its offensive (which was offensive) and defensive line (which was also offensive).
CU’s skill positions (QB, WR, CB) can play with any in the BIG XII, and stand a good chance of cracking a game open if given the opportunity. That opportunity, the secret sauce of the 2024 season, lies in the Buffaloes offensive line providing a couple more seconds of protection to QB1. Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter are touted to be two of the top ten picks in the 2025 draft. That combination on offensive can cause significant problems for defenses given the time. Coach Prime claims he has another six players who should get drafted as well. With that type of talent, CU should win between 7-9 games this year.
So, it begins again, tomorrow night in a rare Thursday night game at Folsom Field vs the North Dakota State Bison (yup, the Buffaloes vs the Bison). The Bison are 60-11 in the past five seasons and make a living off of getting paid by bigger schools to go on the road and wreck their host’s season. CU would be well served not to look past the Bison in prep for Nebraska next week. Win, and CU stands a good chance to go 4-0 on the season and be bowl eligible by Halloween (best case scenario). Lose and the ceiling will cave in on the CU football program and it will take all season to crawl out of it (worst case scenario). I doubt there is an acceptable middle ground. So, there you have it. Coach Prime claims he is a winner and has won at everything he has done in his life. Excellent. Win tomorrow night please.
Go Buffs!
Doug
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Opponent Preview:
The NDSU Bison are based in Fargo, North Dakota, and part of the FCS Missouri Valley Football Conference. The “Thundering Herd” are the all-time winningest football program in FCS history which included 17 National Championships (9 at the FCS level). The Bison are led by seasoned QB Cam Miller, and pride themselves on sound tackling and a strong running game. They play old school, basic blocking and tackling football. Sounds about right coming out of the plains of Nebraska, err North Dakota.
