Though fans of the program and college football alike may not realize it, Colorado University used to be a national power and one of the best Colorado sports teams. As part of the revered Big Eight Conference, Colorado competed with vaunted programs like Oklahoma and Nebraska on a regular basis.
During that time, there have been some pretty memorable post-season moments for the Buffs. A look back through history will show just what the glory days of Colorado Football looked like.
Here are the most memorable games and moments throughout the history of post-season football for Colorado University, before the new season starts under Deion Sanders.
January 1, 1991, Orange Bowl: (1) Colorado 10, (6) Notre Dame 9
The rematch of a year prior. The top-ranked Buffs faced the Irish in the Orange Bowl one year prior, losing a 21-6 heartbreaker. It ruined the program’s national championship hopes, with “Rocket” Ismail showing out for the Irish as Notre Dame captured what would be its biggest win for a long time.
But a lot can change in a year. The two teams returned to the Orange Bowl in 1991, the Buffs again ranked first with the Irish now sixth instead of fourth. Both defenses ran the show and the Buffs managed to hold on for a 10-9 victory. It was the first (and only) national title in school history. It is also without a doubt the greatest game in Colorado Football history and will be for a long time to come.
January 2, 1995, Fiesta Bowl: (4) Colorado 41, Notre Dame 24
This matchup looked a lot different than the one four years prior at the Orange Bowl. The Buffs had just one blemish on their resume heading into the game, taking them out of contention for the national title. The Irish, meanwhile, were starting to experience a decade-long slide.
On that day, Rashaan Salaam and Kordell Stewart led a high-powered Buffaloes offense. Steward had nearly 350 yards of total offense and two touchdowns while Salaam, the Heisman Trophy winner, accounted for 83 yards and a trio of touchdowns. It also happened to be the send-off game for Bill McCartney, the legendary CU coach. What a way to go out.
January 1, 1996, Cotton Bowl: (7) Colorado 38, (12) Oregon 6
By this time, Colorado was still a national contender, routinely finishing in the top half of the top 10. Though their national championship aspirations were gone, this game became memorable. CU actually trailed 6-0 when the first quarter came to an end, but that would be the last of their struggles. Dominance would follow, making it a long day for the future Pac-12 rivals.
It was all Colorado from then on, with freshman Marcus Washington taking an interception 95 yards to the house. Quarterback John Hessler was brutally efficient for the offense, racking up 115 yards and two touchdowns through the air while also adding a touchdown on the ground. The first year following the departure of McCartney showed that the Buffs had more than enough talent to continue competing for a national championship and could put an opponent in the dirt at a moment’s notice.
January 1, 1957, Orange Bowl: (20) Colorado 27, (19) Clemson 21
Let’s take a leap back in time to one of the most exciting bowl games in the history of Colorado Football. The game in Miami began well enough, seeing the Buffs build up a 20-0 lead at halftime thanks to touchdown runs from Howard Cook, John Bayuk, and Boyd Dowler.
But Clemson came roaring back in the second half, taking the lead 21-20 in the fourth quarter. The Buffs could not be denied, however. Bayuk would score what would amount to the game-winning touchdown with 7:31 left in the game. His 121 rushing yards stood out, as did the eight fumbles (three lost) from the Buffs in that game.
December 26, 1998, Aloha Bowl: Colorado 51, (21) Oregon 43
It’s hard to leave off one of the greatest offensive shootouts in the history of Colorado post-season football. The Buffs went 8-4 in what would be coach Rick Neuheisel’s final season at the helm. Despite a few blemishes on the record, far more would remember the offensive fireworks that went on display at the Aloha Bowl.
The Ducks came into the contest favored, but it was the Buffaloes that managed to set off the fireworks. Ben Kelly had a 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to begin the game. Damen Wheeler returned an interception 52 yards for a touchdown. And Mike Moschetti had touchdown connections of 58 yards (to Stiggers) and 72 yards (to Chiaverini). The season may not have gone as planned but the Aloha Bowl will definitely be remembered.
December 31, 1999, Insight.com Bowl: Colorado 62, (25) Boston College 28
The first season of the Gary Barnett era was far from smooth. The Buffaloes finished third in the Big 12 North, posting a 7-5 record. But the Insight.com Bowl definitely left a good taste in the mouths of those not only involved in the program but watching at home.
A pair of interception returns for touchdowns from Jashon Sykes and Rashidi Barnes helped set the table. Colorado jumped out to an insurmountable 35-0 lead, adding an 88-yard punt return for a touchdown from Ben Kelly. Running back Cortlen Johnson racked up 201 yards on the ground and a pair of touchdowns as Colorado picked up its sixth consecutive bowl win.
2️⃣1️⃣ & 8️⃣8️⃣#GoBuffs pic.twitter.com/AIcj5AY4Kn
— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) August 23, 2023
Conclusion
There are a lot of big games and magic moments in the history of Colorado Football. Though recent times have been rough, there is great hope for Deion Sanders going forward. Many feel that Coach Prime could be the one to lead the Buffs back to their former glory, starting with asserting dominance in the Pac-12 Conference.
The Buffs don’t get the love that other legendary programs do, but there are more than enough memorable games and matchups to back up their claim. And maybe, just maybe, the Buffaloes can return to January bowl games for the first time in a long time.
Learn here how to bet on sports in Colorado.
