Welcome to the Pac-12 Colorado
When Colorado makes a change, they go all out. Moving to the Pac-12 was one thing, but the Buffaloes also ended the unsuccessful reign of Coach Dan Hawkins. Now, steps in Colorado alum Jon Embree to lead the Buffaloes into a new frontier. While Hawkins did not leave the cupboard completely bare, this group will have a tough time competing in the Pac-12 right away.
The offense has some hope with running back Rodney Stewart leading the way. The line should be relatively good despite the absence of Nate Solder and quarterback Tyler Hansen knows that this is his year. The coach’s son is no longer looking over his shoulder. The offense also has the element of surprise on its side.
However, the schedule is not too kind. Colorado’s non-conference slate includes trips to Hawaii and Ohio State, along with the always difficult game against Colorado State. The Buffaloes also have to face off against Pac-12 favorites Oregon and Stanford out of the North Division. That should leave Colorado scrambling for victories late in the year to even come close to bowl eligibility.
One of the nice things about Colorado heading to the Pac-12 is the renewal of the rivalry with Utah. The two teams have not matched up since 1962, but the series dates back to 1903 and scheduling that game to finish off the season every year will renew the dated rivalry. The good news for Colorado, besides getting beat by Utah every year, is the new recruiting pipelines opening up in Southern California. Back when Colorado was good, they tapped the SoCal market for some of their big name recruits. They never had the same success in the fertile lands of Texas. Visiting UCLA or USC every year should open up some recruiting options for Coach Embree and in a few years Colorado may be a consistent bowl team or at least an occasional contender in the Pac-12 South.
Read the in-depth football preview for this team
