Folsom Field, perched more than a mile above sea level, has witnessed its share of football drama. On November 11th, as the sun dipped below the horizon, it marked the final home game for the Colorado Buffaloes in their 100th season at the iconic stadium. The air, usually buzzing with anticipation, carried a different tune this year – one of defeat, this time at the hands of the No. 21 Arizona Wildcats. It was another loss in a season that, for all its initial fanfare, has found itself in the twilight.
The days of nationally televised pregame shows dominating campus and celebrities flocking to the sidelines feel like a distant memory. Gone are the days of Lil Wayne hyping the team or NBA stars like Jaylen Brown bringing their entourages. While rapper Jacquees and NBA legend Julius Erving were present, it underscored a shift from the peak of the season's initial buzz.
For any other coach, a 4-6 record and a slim chance at a bowl game might be considered a typical up-and-down year. But for Colorado, especially after a spring game that sold out, balancing soaring expectations with the reality of the season has been a delicate, and at times, awkward dance. The question inevitably arises: what truly defines a successful college football season?
Looking back, a few pivotal moments seemed to alter the trajectory. The injury to Travis Hunter, arguably the team's most impactful player, starkly revealed the team's depth limitations. Then there was the loss to USC, a game that slipped away due to a bizarre blocked punt, a moment that felt like a missed opportunity. But the true turning point, the one that signaled deeper issues, was the stunning collapse against Stanford after holding a commanding 29-0 halftime lead. That loss, more than any other, suggested the season was unraveling.
Even Kordell Stewart, a former Buffaloes quarterback who set records during his tenure and played 11 seasons in the NFL, acknowledged the situation. Following the loss to USC in October, he stated, "Is a bowl-type season a successful season? The answer is hell yes. But are we at that space to talk about that right now? Not at all." For many longtime fans, that sentiment still rings true.
Colorado's program, however, isn't new to glory. The echoes of Kordell Stewart and Michael Westbrook connecting on a game-winning Hail Mary against Michigan in 1994, or Rashaan Salaam capturing the Heisman Trophy that same year, are still potent. The national championship under Bill McCartney in 1990 is etched in the program's history. As Westbrook himself said after the USC loss, "You have to win games, because the bodies won’t be in the seats if we don’t win games. This doesn’t happen if we can’t win, but everybody understands what we’re making here is special. Yeah, we’re going to go to a bowl game. There’s no way we don’t go to a bowl game."
While the outcome of this season might not meet those lofty bowl game aspirations, it's crucial to remember the program's pride. Beyond the new scoreboards and merchandise, the ultimate goal must be clearly defined and executed. Even Coach Deion Sanders, when asked directly about the season's success, chose his words carefully, noting that "every time these fans come in the stadium, there’s an expectation of us to win. I think that’s progress."
Stewart's time at Colorado was marked by significant statistical achievements, including most completions, passing yards, and touchdown passes. These records stand as a testament to his impact during his collegiate career. However, the narrative of any player, or any team, is rarely confined to numbers alone. It's woven into the fabric of the program's history, the memories of fans, and the evolving landscape of college football itself.
