Sorry “Coach Prime”, not this time. Off Colorado’s recent loss to Kansas, the message is clear. Barring a minor miracle, the Buffaloes will not be going to the College Football Playoff. Sure, they have improved dramatically since the 4-8 season a year ago. Sure, Colorado’s a tremendously exciting team. But the Buffaloes are not quite a playoff team, and here’s the rundown on why.
Reasons why Colorado is unlikely to make the playoffs
1. They lost too many games
It’s no secret that losses can derail a team’s playoff hopes. Currently sitting at 8-3, Colorado has likely lost too many games to secure a playoff spot. While it’s possible for a three-loss team to sneak into the postseason, it’s usually a powerhouse like Alabama or another SEC giant that takes that coveted spot.
Moreover, Colorado’s schedule has not been particularly challenging. They have yet to face a team currently ranked in the AP top 25. Their losses include disappointing defeats against 6-5 Nebraska and 5-6 Kansas. Even if they were to finish at 10-1, the soft resume would raise eyebrows, but at 8-3, the Buffaloes simply haven’t taken care of business.
2. They’re probably not going to win the Big 12
While there is still a glimmer of hope for Colorado to reach the Big 12 title game, the odds are stacked against them. The landscape of the Big 12 is complex, with four teams currently sitting at 6-4 and several others still in contention.
For Colorado to make it to the title game, they need to win their remaining games and hope that two out of three teams—Arizona State, Iowa State, and BYU—lose. Alternatively, a scenario where Colorado, Arizona State, Iowa State, Texas Tech, Baylor, and Cincinnati all win would also land the Buffs in the Big 12 title game. It’s dizzying math, and even if they manage to navigate these hurdles, winning the title game is far from guaranteed.
3. Even if they win the Big 12, they could still miss the playoffs
Imagine this: Colorado wins the Big 12 championship, yet still finds themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to the College Football Playoff. It may sound unlikely, but it’s a very real scenario. The College Football Playoff (CFP) awards automatic bids to the highest-ranked champions from the five major conferences.
While many assume the Big 12 champion will secure a playoff spot, the reality is more complicated. The Big Ten, SEC, and ACC usually fill three of the playoff spots, and a strong team from the Mountain West, like Boise State, could easily snag another. This leaves only one spot for the remaining conferences, and here’s where it gets interesting: Tulane, currently ranked No. 17 in the CFP standings, could win the AAC and leapfrog the Big 12 champion. With Arizona State being the top-ranked Big 12 team at No. 16, it’s conceivable that even a conference champion like Colorado could be left out in the cold.
What’s next for Colorado?
With the playoff picture becoming clearer, the Buffaloes must focus on what lies ahead. Their immediate goal should be to finish the season strong, regardless of playoff implications. This means winning their remaining games and hoping for favorable outcomes in other matchups.
The team has shown flashes of brilliance this season, and even if they fall short of the playoffs, building on this year’s progress could lay the groundwork for a brighter future. Coach Deion Sanders has instilled a sense of excitement and competitiveness in the program, and that could pay dividends in recruiting and team morale moving forward.
Fan reactions and community support
As the season winds down, the community’s support for the Buffaloes remains unwavering. Fans have rallied behind the team, celebrating their growth and resilience. The atmosphere at games has been electric, with supporters showing up in droves to cheer on their team.
It’s this kind of passion that can turn a program around. The Buffaloes may not be heading to the playoffs this year, but the foundation is being laid for future success. Fans are hopeful that with continued effort and commitment, Colorado can return to its former glory in the coming seasons.
Do you think Colorado still has a shot at the CFP? Weigh in with your comments and thoughts in the comments section below. The journey of this team is far from over, and every game is an opportunity to prove the doubters wrong.
As the season progresses, one thing is certain: college football never fails to deliver drama, excitement, and unexpected twists. The Buffaloes may face challenges, but their spirit and determination will keep fans engaged and hopeful for what lies ahead.
