The University of Colorado Boulder’s football team’s LaJohntay Wester celebrates after a touchdown during their match against Cincinnati Bearcats at Folsom Field on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (Scott Tan/CU Independent)
After a year’s absence, the Colorado Buffaloes have returned to the Associated Press College Football Poll. The week 10 poll released Sunday has the Buffs ranked No.23.
The recognition comes after a 34-23 win over the University of Cincinnati Saturday night. The win brings Colorado to a 6-2 overall record and a 4-1 record in the Big 12 Conference.
Saturday’s win also brings the Buffs to bowl eligibility for the first time since 2020. Colorado has not won a bowl game since 2004 under coach Gary Barnett. Deion Sanders is the first head coach since Dan Hawkins in 2007 to bring Colorado to a 6-2 record in only his second year with the team.
After Saturday’s win, Sanders was asked about Colorado’s plans moving forward and the possibility of a playoff run. He said the thought was not on his mind.
“We ain’t thinking about the playoffs right now, we go one game at a time. We don’t even want to be ranked,” Sanders said. “Don’t rank us please, we don’t like that. We’d rather be in the back in the dark, just chilling in the cut.”
Head coach Deion Sanders answers questions during the post-game press conference after the game against the University of Cincinnati at Folsom Field on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (Clementine Miller/CU Independent)
With only two teams in the Big 12 still undefeated in conference play, Colorado now has a viable shot at the conference championship. The team is in fourth place behind Kansas State University, who has lost once, undefeated No. 11 Iowa State University and No. 9 Brigham Young University.
Immediately following the win Saturday, Sanders called Peggy Coppom, the 99-year-old lifelong CU Boulder fan who he’s befriended, from the team’s locker room. His goal for the season was securing a bowl game appearance for Coppom, who turns 100 years old next month.
While she was unable to attend the game due to a case of COVID-19, she thanked Sanders for all he’s done for CU Boulder fans like her.
“Oh my gosh, I am so happy. Thank you, my gosh what a turnaround you’ve done for us,” Coppom said on the phone call. “You’ve done such a good job and thank you Deion.”
The Buffs now head into a bye week. On November 9, they will face off against Texas Tech University.
Contact CU Independent Managing Editor Lincoln Roch at lincoln.roch@colorado.edu
