Last weekend, the Colorado Buffaloes faced a significant setback in their quest for the College Football Playoff. With their playoff destiny in their own hands, they were stunned by an upset from Kansas, who defeated them 37-21. This unexpected loss not only dashed their hopes but also saw them plummet from No. 16 to No. 25 in the rankings, as four Big 12 teams now sit above them.
What does the loss mean for Colorado’s playoff chances?
With three losses under their belt, Colorado’s path to the College Football Playoff has become increasingly challenging. The Buffaloes now find themselves in a position where they must rely on external factors to keep their playoff aspirations alive. Once focused solely on their own performance, they now need a significant amount of help from other teams to make it to the postseason.
Can Colorado still make the playoffs?
Despite the odds being stacked against them, Colorado’s playoff hopes are not entirely extinguished. Their best chance was always to clinch the Big 12 championship, a goal that now seems more elusive following their recent defeat. However, there remains a glimmer of hope: Colorado is still in the mix for the Big 12 championship game. With a 6-2 conference record, they are one of four teams vying for the top spots in the standings, but they lack the crucial tiebreakers that could secure their place.
Colorado Big 12 championship game scenarios
So, what does Colorado need to do to reach the Big 12 championship game? First and foremost, they must secure a victory against the struggling 3-8 Oklahoma State at home this weekend. A loss here would eliminate any chance of winning the Big 12. But that’s just the beginning. Colorado also needs two of the following teams—BYU, Iowa State, and Arizona State—to lose their respective games. If these outcomes align, the Buffaloes could find themselves in a strong position.
There’s another potential route: if Houston manages to defeat BYU and Texas Tech takes down West Virginia, the resulting chaos could create a muddled tiebreaker scenario that might allow Colorado to slip into the title game. It’s a complicated web, but it’s a scenario that keeps their hopes alive.
College Football Playoff rankings
| Rank | Team | Record |
| No. 1 | Oregon | 11-0 |
| No. 2 | Ohio State | 10-1 |
| No. 3 | Texas | 10-1 |
| No. 4 | Penn State | 10-1 |
| No. 5 | Notre Dame | 10-1 |
| No. 6 | Miami | 10-1 |
| No. 7 | Georgia | 9-2 |
| No. 8 | Tennessee | 9-2 |
| No. 9 | SMU | 10-1 |
| No. 10 | Indiana | 10-1 |
| No. 11 | Boise State | 10-1 |
| No. 12 | Clemson | 9-2 |
| No. 13 | Alabama | 8-3 |
| No. 14 | Ole Miss | 8-3 |
| No. 15 | South Carolina | 8-3 |
| No. 16 | Arizona State | 9-2 |
| No. 17 | Iowa State | 9-2 |
| No. 18 | Tulane | 9-2 |
| No. 19 | BYU | 9-2 |
| No. 20 | Texas A&M | 8-3 |
| No. 21 | Missouri | 8-3 |
| No. 22 | UNLV | 8-3 |
| No. 23 | Illinois | 8-3 |
| No. 24 | Kansas State | 8-3 |
| No. 25 | Colorado | 8-3 |
The Buffaloes’ recent loss has certainly complicated their journey, but it has not completely derailed it. As they prepare for their upcoming game against Oklahoma State, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will they rise to the occasion? Can they secure the wins they need and hope for favorable outcomes elsewhere? The excitement of college football lies in its unpredictability, and for Colorado, every play counts as they strive to keep their playoff dreams alive. The coming weeks will be crucial, and fans will be watching closely to see if the Buffaloes can navigate this challenging landscape and make a run for the championship.
