What Is 1956 Colorado Buffaloes football team

Overview

The 1956 Colorado Buffaloes football team represented the University of Colorado during the 1956 NCAA University Division football season. Competing in the Big Seven Conference, the team was led by head coach Dallas Ward, who was in his tenth year at the helm. The Buffaloes played their home games at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado, a venue that has hosted the team since 1924.

This season marked a transitional period for the program as it sought greater consistency in conference play. While not one of the most dominant teams in school history, the 1956 squad laid groundwork for future improvements. The team's performance reflected both strengths in key positions and challenges in maintaining momentum across a full season.

• Record: The Buffaloes finished the season with a 6–4 overall record, including a 3–3 mark in conference play, showing balanced performance.
• Head Coach:Dallas Ward served as head coach from 1948 to 1958, compiling a 51–41–3 record during his tenure, with 1956 being his ninth season.
• Stadium:Folsom Field, with a capacity of over 53,000, has been the team's home since 1924 and remains one of college football’s iconic venues.
• Conference: The team competed in the Big Seven Conference, which expanded to become the Big Eight in 1957 after Oklahoma State joined.
• Key Player:Joe Romig, who later earned All-American honors, played as a sophomore in 1956 and became a cornerstone of the defense in subsequent years.

Season Performance

The 1956 season featured a mix of competitive wins and narrow losses, reflecting a team in development. Colorado showed resilience in close games but struggled against top-tier opponents. The schedule included both regional rivals and emerging national programs, offering a balanced test of strength.

• Season Opener: The Buffaloes defeated Colorado State 34–14 in the annual intrastate rivalry, setting a positive tone for the season.
• Conference Play: Colorado went 3–3 in Big Seven games, tying for third place in the final conference standings.
• Key Win: A 20–13 victory over Missouri showcased defensive improvement and marked a highlight of the conference season.
• Tough Loss: The team fell to Oklahoma 40–14, a powerhouse that finished the season ranked No. 1 nationally.
• Final Game: Colorado closed the season with a 20–13 win over Utah, securing a winning record against non-conference opponents.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1956 Colorado Buffaloes' season statistics against key benchmarks from the era:

The data shows that Colorado performed slightly above average defensively and close to par offensively. Their home record was particularly strong, indicating Folsom Field remained a challenging venue for opponents. While not dominant, the team was competitive within its conference framework.

Why It Matters

The 1956 season is a notable chapter in the evolution of Colorado football, reflecting mid-century college football dynamics and program development. Though not a championship year, it contributed to the foundation that led to future success.

• The season helped develop young talent like Joe Romig, who would later become a two-time All-American and team captain.
• It demonstrated consistency under Dallas Ward, who maintained a winning culture despite limited resources compared to larger programs.
• Colorado’s performance supported conference stability during the transition from the Big Seven to the Big Eight in 1957.
• The team’s schedule provided valuable experience against national powers like Oklahoma, preparing players for higher-stakes games.
• Media coverage of the season increased regional visibility for the university and its athletic program.
• Folsom Field’s role as a home-field advantage was reaffirmed, with the Buffaloes winning four of five home games.

Overall, the 1956 Colorado Buffaloes season stands as a representative example of mid-1950s college football—competitive, evolving, and instrumental in long-term program growth.