In the good ol’ days, CU fans used to throw oranges onto Folsom Field to celebrate the team’s series finale win over Nebraska, signifying the fact that the Buffs were going to the Orange Bowl.
Saturday night, it was a 27-22 victory over another team in red, Utah, that kept hope alive for another big bowl game, the Rose Bowl.
Things didn't start well for CU with senior quarterback Sefo Liufau turning the ball over on the first drive. Utah jumped out to a 7-0 lead, but the Buffs answered with 13 unanswered.
It could have been better for the Buffs if not for some key drops, none bigger than the one by George Frazier in the end zone.
The difference in this game, though, was the Colorado defense.
One of the biggest turnovers of the game was of course the scoop and score in the 4th quarter by Kenneth Olugbode which turned out to be the difference. Tedric Thompson also added two interceptions giving the senior 7 for the season.
"It's truly a blessing to see the excitement in the locker room and on Coach Mac's face," Thompson said.
Mike MacIntrye was on top of the world as well.
"Joy from my toes to the top of my head for the coaches, players, everybody involved with our program, and the fans," MacIntrye said.
Now, CU hasn’t locked up that bowl bid yet, but the Buffs did keep hopes alive that it can still happen.
Colorado’s 10th win of the year clinches an invite to the Pac-12 championship game at Levi’s stadium in California.
A win in that game against #5 Washington on December 2 would send CU to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl.
Saturday night’s win also helped CU complete the "worst to first season", finishing at 10-2. The victory over the Utes is CU’s 6th straight, a feat they haven’t achieved since way back in 1996.
Colorado set a goal at the beginning of the season not to make a bowl game but to be the Pac-12 champions.
Almost no one believed them, but they’re now just one win away from shocking the college football world.
Then again, they already have. The only people who actually thought the Buffs could make it this far is the Buffs themselves.
