What Is 1966 Colorado Buffaloes football team

Overview

The 1966 Colorado Buffaloes football team represented the University of Colorado during the 1966 NCAA University Division football season. Competing in the Big Eight Conference, the team was led by first-year head coach Eddie Crowder and played its home games at Folsom Field in Boulder.

The Buffaloes finished the season with a 6–4 overall record and a 4–3 mark in conference play. Despite not qualifying for a bowl game, the team showed improvement under new leadership and secured notable victories over regional rivals.

• Head coach Eddie Crowder took over the program in 1966 after serving as an assistant at Oklahoma, bringing a renewed offensive strategy and discipline to the team.
• The Buffaloes opened the season with a 20–13 win over Utah State, setting a positive tone for Crowder’s debut campaign.
• They defeated in-state rival Colorado State 34–16 in the annual Rocky Mountain Showdown, a highlight of the season and a boost for team morale.
• The team’s only conference shutout victory came against Kansas State, winning 14–0, showcasing improved defensive performance.
• Despite a strong finish, including a 27–14 win over Kansas, the Buffaloes did not receive a bowl invitation due to selection criteria and conference representation limits.

Season Performance & Key Games

The 1966 season featured a mix of competitive wins and narrow losses, reflecting a transitional year under new leadership. The offense relied on balanced scoring, while the defense showed flashes of strength but struggled against top-tier opponents.

• September 17, 1966: Colorado defeated Utah State 20–13, marking Eddie Crowder’s first career win as head coach.
• October 1, 1966: The Buffaloes lost 10–7 to Missouri in a tightly contested Big Eight matchup, highlighting offensive inconsistencies.
• October 8, 1966: A 27–14 victory over Oklahoma State demonstrated improved passing efficiency under quarterback Steve Tannen.
• October 22, 1966: Colorado fell 21–14 to Nebraska, a team that finished the season ranked, showing the Buffs were competitive against elite teams.
• November 12, 1966: A 14–7 win over Iowa State secured a winning record in conference play and marked defensive improvement.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1966 season compares to surrounding years in terms of wins, leadership, and conference standing:

The 1966 season marked a turning point, improving significantly from the 2–8 disaster of 1965. While still outside the national spotlight, the 6–4 record signaled progress under Crowder’s leadership and laid the foundation for stronger performances in the late 1960s, culminating in a bowl appearance in 1968.

Why It Matters

The 1966 Colorado Buffaloes season is remembered as a rebuilding year that restored competitiveness to a struggling program. It set the stage for future success and re-established fan confidence after several losing seasons.

• The hiring of Eddie Crowder marked a shift toward modern offensive schemes and stronger player development.
• Improvement from 2–8 in 1965 to 6–4 in 1966 demonstrated immediate impact from new coaching leadership.
• Victories over Colorado State and Kansas revitalized regional rivalries and boosted local support.
• The season helped stabilize the football program during a period of transition and uncertainty.
• It laid the groundwork for the 1968 Bluebonnet Bowl appearance, the school’s first bowl game in nearly a decade.
• Folsom Field attendance increased, reflecting renewed fan interest due to the team’s improved performance.

Though not a championship season, 1966 was pivotal in restoring momentum to Colorado football, making it a key chapter in the program’s history.