The Colorado Buffaloes faced a tough setback against the Kansas Jayhawks, dimming their hopes for both the Big 12 Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoffs. Despite this loss, Deion Sanders and his son, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, are determined to keep their championship aspirations alive. The Buffaloes are set to host the Oklahoma State Cowboys on November 29, and a victory is essential if they want to keep their dreams of a league title game within reach.
Colorado’s journey this season has been nothing short of remarkable. After a disappointing 4-8 record in 2023, the Buffaloes have turned things around to achieve an impressive 8-3 record with one game left. This resurgence has reignited the passion and hope among fans in Boulder, who are still clinging to the possibility of a Big 12 Championship appearance. Yet, they must confront the reality that the odds are stacked against them.
Currently, the Big 12 standings are tightly contested, with Arizona State, BYU, Colorado, and Iowa State all tied at the top with 6-2 records in league play. Five other teams are trailing closely behind with 5-3 records. This competitive landscape makes every game crucial, and the Buffaloes find themselves in a precarious position.
Unfortunately, Colorado does not control its own destiny. They will kick off the NCAA’s weekend action on Friday, while their rivals won’t play until Saturday. This means that the Buffaloes will be in the dark regarding what results they need to secure a spot in the championship game. To advance, Deion’s team must first defeat the struggling 0-8 Cowboys and then hope for favorable outcomes from other games on Saturday.
Possible scenarios for the Buffaloes
The path to the championship for Shedeur Sanders and the Buffaloes is clear but challenging. The simplest route involves winning against OSU and hoping that two of the teams currently tied for first place lose their respective games. This combination of outcomes would keep Colorado’s championship hopes alive.
However, if all four teams at the top win their games, Colorado will be eliminated from contention for the Big 12 Title match. If one of the teams falters, the situation becomes more complicated. In the event of a three-way tie-breaker, Colorado will need specific results to secure a spot in the title game. According to analysis, here are the scenarios:
Key matchups to watch
- Arizona State at Arizona
- BYU vs. Houston
- Colorado vs. OSU (Friday)
- Iowa State vs. Kansas State
For Colorado to make it to the championship game, they need the following outcomes:
1. If BYU loses to Houston, Texas Tech beats West Virginia, Baylor defeats Kansas, and Cincinnati beats TCU — Colorado faces Iowa State in the title game.
2. If BYU loses to Houston, Texas Tech beats West Virginia, Kansas defeats Baylor, and TCU beats Cincinnati — Colorado faces Arizona State in the title game.
As the Buffaloes prepare for their crucial matchup against the Cowboys, the excitement in Boulder is palpable. Fans are hopeful, and the team is eager to prove that they can rise to the occasion. With Deion Sanders at the helm, the Buffaloes have shown resilience and determination throughout the season, and they are not ready to give up just yet.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders #2 of the Colorado Buffaloes throws during their spring game at Folsom Field on April 27, 2024 in Boulder, Colorado.
With the stakes so high, every play counts. The Buffaloes are ready to fight for their chance at glory in the Big 12 Championship. Will they rise to the occasion? Fans will be glued to their screens, hoping to witness a thrilling finish to an already exciting season. The journey continues, and the Buffaloes are not backing down!
