CU Buffs: A Guide to the University of Colorado Buffaloes Football Team

As true Buff Nation faithful, we welcome you to the ultimate guide to your beloved CU Buffs football team. From their historic roots to present-day glory, this comprehensive article will immerse you in the world of Colorado Buffaloes football.

History and Heritage

The CU Buffs have a rich history dating back to 1890, making them one of the oldest college football programs in the nation. Known for their distinctive black and gold uniforms, the Buffs have claimed countless conference championships and bowl victories over the years.

• National Championships: 1 (1990)
• Conference Championships: 26 (Big 12: 17; Big Eight: 7; Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference: 2)
• Bowl Games: 21 appearances (including 8 major bowls)

Key Players and Coaches

Legendary Coaches:

• Bill McCartney: Led the Buffs to their 1990 National Championship victory.
• Gary Barnett: Coached the team to three Big 12 North titles and seven bowl game appearances.

Notable Players:

• Cale Dorny: All-American quarterback and 1990 National Championship MVP.
• Rashaan Salaam: 1994 Heisman Trophy winner and All-American running back.
• Chris Brown: All-American linebacker and 1995 Butkus Award winner.
• Laviska Shenault Jr.: All-American wide receiver and 2018 Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year.

Current Season and Roster

The 2023 season marks the Buffs' first year under the leadership of new head coach Deion Sanders. Coach Prime has brought fresh energy and excitement to the program, instilling a belief that the Buffs can return to their winning ways.

Key Returning Players:

• Jarek Broussard: All-Pac-12 running back
• Daniel Arias: All-Pac-12 offensive tackle
• Sydney Assante: Promising quarterback
• Tristan Gebbia: Experienced wide receiver

Newcomers to Watch:

• Travis Hunter: 5-star cornerback and No. 1 overall football recruit in 2022
• Shemar Stewart: 5-star running back and No. 1 running back recruit in 2022
• Kyion Grayes: 4-star wide receiver and No. 16 receiver recruit in 2023

Stadium and Atmosphere

The Buffs play their home games at Folsom Field, a historic stadium that has hosted countless memorable moments. The stadium's capacity of 50,100 creates an electrifying atmosphere on game days.

Rivalries

The CU Buffs have several fierce rivalries, including:

• Colorado State Rams: The Rocky Mountain Showdown is the oldest rivalry in college football west of the Mississippi River.
• Utah Utes: A heated rivalry since the Buffs joined the Pac-12 in 2011.
• Nebraska Cornhuskers: A classic rivalry dating back to the teams' time in the Big 12 Conference.

Traditions and Fan Culture

CU Buffs fans are known for their unwavering support and unique traditions.

• "Hail to Colorado": The team's fight song, sung after every victory.
• "Ralphie's Run": A live buffalo mascot that charges the field before each home game.
• "The Sink": A post-game tradition where fans gather at a nearby bar to celebrate or commiserate.

Student Life and University

The University of Colorado Boulder is a vibrant campus community that offers a wide range of opportunities for students.

• Academics: Ranked among the top public universities in the nation, CU Boulder offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Athletics: In addition to football, CU Boulder is home to 17 other Division I sports teams.
• Campus Life: A thriving student life with over 500 student organizations, Greek life, and a variety of cultural events.

Tickets and Gameday Experience

Attending a CU Buffs football game is an unforgettable experience.

• Tickets: Season tickets and single-game tickets are available for purchase through the CU Athletics website.
• Parking: Parking options are available on campus and nearby.
• Tailgating: Tailgating is a popular gameday tradition at Folsom Field.
• Concessions: A variety of food and beverage options are available throughout the stadium.

Conclusion

The CU Buffs are a storied football program with a passionate fan base and a rich tradition. Whether you're a lifelong Buff Nation member or a newcomer to the CU community, we invite you to join us in cheering on our beloved team. Let's Go Buffs!

Helpful Tables

Table 1: CU Buffs National Championships

Table 2: CU Buffs Conference Championships

Table 3: CU Buffs Bowl Game Appearances

Stories and Lessons

Story 1: The 1990 National Championship

In 1990, the CU Buffs made history by winning their first and only National Championship. Led by coach Bill McCartney and quarterback Cale Dorny, the Buffs upset the heavily favored Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Fiesta Bowl. This victory marked a turning point in CU football history and cemented the Buffs as a national powerhouse.

Lesson: Anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and a belief in yourself.

Story 2: The Rashaan Salaam Tragedy

Rashaan Salaam, one of the most celebrated CU Buffs of all time, tragically took his own life in 2016. Salaam's death brought to light the importance of mental health awareness and support. It also reminded us that even those who seem invincible can struggle with personal demons.

Lesson: Mental health is just as important as physical health. It's okay to ask for help when you need it.

Story 3: The Deion Sanders Era

With the arrival of coach Deion Sanders in 2023, the CU Buffs enter a new era. Coach Prime has brought a winning mentality and a commitment to excellence to the program. While the Buffs may not be instant contenders, their future looks bright under his leadership.

Lesson: Change can be a positive force. Embrace new challenges and believe in the power of a fresh start.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Rich history and tradition
• Passionate fan base
• Beautiful stadium atmosphere
• Strong academic institution
• Diverse student life

Cons:

• Struggling in recent years
• Not a traditional football powerhouse
• Limited national exposure
• Can be difficult to get tickets to popular games
• Boulder can be expensive to live in

FAQs

1. Who is the current head coach of the CU Buffs?

Answer: Deion Sanders

2. Where do the CU Buffs play their home games?

Answer: Folsom Field

3. What is the CU Buffs' fight song?

Answer: "Hail to Colorado"

4. Who is the CU Buffs' live buffalo mascot?

Answer: Ralphie

5. What is the name of the post-game gathering place for CU Buffs fans?

Answer: "The Sink"

6. How many National Championships have the CU Buffs won?

Answer: 1 (1990)

7. How many conference championships have the CU Buffs won?

Answer: 26

8. How many bowl games have the CU Buffs appeared in?

Answer: 21