What Is 1962 Colorado Buffaloes football team

Overview

The 1962 Colorado Buffaloes football team represented the University of Colorado in the 1962 NCAA University Division football season. Led by head coach Bud Davis, the team struggled to find consistency, finishing with a 3–7 overall record and a 2–5 mark in the Big Eight Conference.

The Buffaloes played their home games at Folsom Field in Boulder, a venue that has hosted Colorado football since 1924. Despite a passionate fan base and a strong tradition, the 1962 season marked one of the more challenging years in program history during the early 1960s.

• Record: The team finished with a 3–7 overall record, one of the worst in program history at the time.
• Conference play: They posted a 2–5 record in the Big Eight Conference, placing near the bottom of the standings.
• Scoring: Colorado scored 100 total points across 10 games, averaging 10.0 points per game.
• Defense: The defense allowed 197 points, averaging 19.7 points per game against opponents.
• Home field: Folsom Field in Boulder remained the team’s home, with a capacity of over 50,000 at the time.

Season Performance

The 1962 season was defined by offensive struggles and inconsistent defensive play. The Buffaloes opened the season with a loss to Utah State and never managed to string together more than two consecutive wins.

• September 22, 1962: Colorado lost 21–13 to Utah State in the season opener, setting a negative tone early.
• October 6, 1962: A 10–0 win over Kansas State provided a rare defensive highlight.
• October 20, 1962: A 14–13 victory over Oklahoma State showed signs of improvement but wasn’t sustained.
• November 10, 1962: A 35–0 loss to Nebraska underscored the team’s struggles against top-tier opponents.
• Final game: The season ended with a 20–7 loss to Colorado State in the Rocky Mountain Showdown.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1962 season is often compared to other years in the early 1960s to assess the program’s trajectory. Below is a comparison with select seasons:

The table illustrates a downward trend from 1960 to 1963, with the 1962 season representing a midpoint in a period of decline. While not the worst record, it reflected ongoing issues with coaching stability and player development.

Why It Matters

Though not a standout season, 1962 remains a key reference point in understanding the evolution of Colorado football. It highlights the challenges faced during the transition between coaching eras and the difficulty of maintaining competitiveness in a tough conference.

• Coaching impact: Bud Davis’s tenure (1963–1964) was short-lived, showing the pressure on underperforming coaches.
• Program development: The struggles of 1962 contributed to future investments in recruiting and facilities.
• Historical context: This season occurred before Colorado’s rise in the 1980s and 1990s under Bill McCartney.
• Conference strength: The Big Eight was highly competitive, making winning records difficult for mid-tier teams.
• Fans and culture: Despite losses, attendance remained strong, showing enduring fan loyalty.
• Legacy: The 1962 team is remembered as a low point that preceded eventual program resurgence.

Understanding seasons like 1962 helps contextualize Colorado’s later successes and the resilience required to rebuild a football program.