After a surprise 2016 season which was capped with a PAC-12 South championship, the Colorado Buffaloes took a step back into reality in 2017. Colorado finished last in the South with a record 5-7 with all of their losses coming in conference play. After losing a majority of their starters from the 2017 team, there appears to be more dark times ahead for the Colorado football program. 

Prestige Ranking (If NCAA Football Existed): 3 Stars

Colorado’s prestige ranking comes in at 3 stars because there have been some bright spots for Colorado football in their program history, namely their 11-1-1 national championship season in 1990. Recently however, they have not been able to maintain a level of success to increase their prestige. In the last 10 years, Colorado has only had one winning season which is why they receive a ranking of 3 stars. 

Last Year’s Record: 5-7 (2-7 PAC-12) 

Projected Returning Starters:

Offense: 3 – QB Steven Montez, WR Jay MacIntyre, RG Tim Lynott

The Colorado Buffaloes will rely a lot on the right arm of Steven Montez to carry them through the season. Montez will be in his second full year as the starting quarterback and the Buffaloes are going to need a great season from him if they want to have success in 2018. Outside of Montez, Colorado will have to replace their entire lineup of skill position players. The only returning contributor from last year’s team is the coach’s son Jay MacIntyre who will attempt to carry the load for an inexperienced skill position group. Up front, Tim Lynott is the only projected returning starter from the 2017 Colorado Buffaloes.  

Defense: 4 – DE Chris Mulumba, NT Javier Edwards, LB Drew Lewis, LB Rick Gamboa

For the defense, the Buffaloes will be returning four of their starters from the 2017 team which should be a huge boost for the defense. Leading the way for the defense will be LB Drew Lewis and LB Rick Gamboa. Both players were very good anchoring the Colorado defense. On the defensive line, Colorado has DE Chris Mulumba and NT Javier Edwards returning. While the Buffaloes do not have a lot of starters returning, they do have multiple returning players that contributed to the Colorado defense last season. 

Special Teams: 4 – Punter Alex Kinney, Place Kicker James Stefanou, Kickoffs Davis Price, Returner Ronnie Blackmon

Last Season Colorado had a very good special teams core, and that entire core remains intact for the 2018 season. Special teams should be one of the strengths for the Colorado Buffaloes this coming season. 

Key Losses:

RB Phillip Lindsay, WR Bryce Bobo, LB Ryan Moeller, CB Isaiah Oliver

The biggest loss for Colorado is definitely Phillip Lindsay. Last season the Buffaloes relied heavily on Lindsay to the tune of 301 rushes, 1,474 yards, and 14 touchdowns. Lindsay was also a threat in the receiving game pulling in 23 receptions for 257 yards and a touchdown. Colorado also lost their leading receiver from last season, Bryce Bobo, who was a favorite target for quarterback Steven Montez. On the defensive side of the ball LB Ryan Moeller and CB Isaiah Oliver were two talented players that made the Colorado defense what they were. The absence of these players will definitely be felt this coming season.

Five Year Recruiting Rank (Bill Connelly): 57

Colorado is in a tough spot to gain traction in recruiting because of who else is in the PAC-12. Colorado has to compete with the likes of a USC or UCLA in trying to secure talent. However, Colorado has done a good job of finding talented recruits to come into Boulder in recent years, and developing their talent will be key to Colorado’s success in the future.

Outlook:

This Colorado program and coach Mike MacIntyre has a tough job of trying to improve on last season’s 5-7 record. They have a tough week 2 match up against Nebraska in Nebraska, and they also have a two week stretch where they play at USC, and then play at Washington which will be the toughest part of their schedule. With most of the PAC-12 South improving this could be a long season for the Buffs.

Tyroil Smoochie-Wallace All Name Team Member: Nu’umotu Falo Jr.

Alcohol Prediction for Fans by Seasons End:

Have to go with Coors Light here because of the name. How can a Colorado fan not want to drink their sorrows away with a beer named for the Rocky Mountains.