Oct. 24th – Oregon State – “We’re No. 1(1)!”

Colorado quarterback Sefo Liufau throws for one touchdown and runs for another, with the Buff defense making that stand up for a 17-13 win over Oregon State. The victory allowed the Buffs to snap school-record losing streaks, both in conference games (14) and conference road games (13).

Liufau threw for only 140 yards, and the Buffs were out-gained by the Beavers, 401 yards to 328, but after Liufau scored on a four yard run early in the fourth quarter to give Colorado a 17-10 lead, the Buff defense made it stand up, holding Oregon State to three points in their final four drives of the game.

Twenty-five years ago, Colorado won the national championship. The Buffs went into the Orange Bowl as the defending Big Eight champions, and came away as the nation’s No. 1 team.

Less than fifteen years ago, Colorado was again in contention for participating in the national championship game. Instead, the BCS computers somehow figured that Nebraska, which had not won its division much less a conference championship, was more worthy to face Miami for the title than Colorado, even though the Buffs had beaten the Cornhuskers, 62-36, just two weeks earlier.

Just ten years ago, Colorado won its fourth Big 12 North title in five seasons. At the time, claiming “We’re No. 1” in the Big-12 North division didn’t seem to be all that much to crow about.

But such cheers seem like a fantasy compared to what has become of the Colorado football program … a shell of its former self.

To celebrate the 17-13 defeat of Oregon State, with the Buffs claiming the No. 11 spot in the Pac-12, sounds hollow when put up against the history of the CU program.

Ken Crawley: “We’ve just got to keep fighting” … Drew Litton … Oregonian picks CU over OSU … AD update from Rick George

Buffs and Beavers both in the 100’s in rushing defense … Your “T.I.P.S.” for CU’s visit to Corvallis