The Colorado Buffaloes hold a record of 5-2 and face off against the Cincinnati Bearcats this weekend. With a victory, the Buffaloes could secure bowl eligibility for the first time since 2020, a feat that would mark a turning point for a program eager to return to prominence.
Although the Buffaloes went to the Alamo Bowl in the shortened COVID-19 season where they lost to the University of Texas Longhorns 55-23, it has been 20 years since they last won a bowl game. In 2004 CU defeated the University of Texas El Paso 33-28 in the Houston Bowl.
In the last two seasons prior to 2024, the Buffs held a 5-19 record, where in 2022 they went 1-11. The path to this pivotal moment has been nothing short of impressive.
“It is my dream to bring you back to where you know you should belong,” head coach Deion Sanders said following his hiring in December 2022.
Colorado becoming bowl eligible is a step in the right direction for the program to get back to glory. The Buffaloes went to a bowl game every year in the 1990s, winning a National Championship in 1991 and winning consecutive bowls from 1993-’99. Since 2001, however, they have only gone to seven bowl games.
As the Buffs gear up for this weekend's showdown, a victory would serve as a statement to the college football landscape. A win would not only ensure bowl eligibility but also keep the Buffs in the hunt for the Big 12 title game. The Buffs securing the Big 12 title would also give them an automatic bid for the College Football Playoff.
The Buffs face off against the Bearcats on Saturday at 8:15 p.m. MT on ESPN.
Cover photo by Zacahary Giesenschlag/Sko Buffs Sports
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