What Is 2017 Colorado Buffaloes football team

Overview

The 2017 Colorado Buffaloes football team represented the University of Colorado Boulder during the 2017 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in the Pac-12 Conference's South Division, the team struggled to maintain consistency after a promising start in 2016.

Under head coach Mike MacIntyre, who was in his fifth year leading the program, the Buffaloes aimed to build on their 10-win 2016 campaign. However, injuries, offensive inefficiency, and defensive lapses led to a disappointing 5–7 final record, falling short of postseason eligibility.

• Started the season 5–2 with wins over in-state rival Colorado State and a ranked Nebraska team, raising hopes for another strong year.
• Finished 0–5 in their final five games, including losses to UCLA, Utah, and Colorado State in a season-ending rivalry defeat.
• Offensive struggles were evident, as the team averaged just 21.8 points per game, down from 31.2 in 2016, due to quarterback injuries and line instability.
• Defensively, they allowed 30.6 points per game, a significant decline from the previous year’s 23.5, highlighting lapses in pass coverage and tackling.
• Played home games at Folsom Field, a historic 50,183-seat stadium in Boulder, where they went 4–2 during the season.

Performance Breakdown

The 2017 season showcased both flashes of potential and persistent shortcomings across all phases of play. Colorado’s performance fluctuated dramatically between non-conference and conference games, revealing depth and preparation issues.

• Season opener: 41–31 win vs. Colorado State—a high-scoring victory that highlighted offensive firepower before injuries took a toll.
• September 9: 38–31 win at Nebraska—a road win over a ranked Cornhuskers team, making the Buffaloes 3–0 and generating national buzz.
• October 7: 37–34 loss to Oregon—a close defeat where Colorado blew a 17-point lead, marking the start of a five-game losing streak.
• November 11: 41–0 loss to Stanford—the worst defeat of the season, exposing defensive vulnerabilities against elite Pac-12 offenses.
• November 24: 27–22 loss to Colorado State—a rivalry loss in Fort Collins, ending the season and eliminating any bowl hopes.
• Quarterback play was inconsistent, with Steven Montez starting 10 games but throwing 13 interceptions compared to 12 touchdowns.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2017 Buffaloes compared to their 2016 season and other Pac-12 South teams:

The decline from 2016 to 2017 was stark, particularly in conference play where Colorado dropped from first in the South Division to last. While other teams like USC and Utah maintained strong performances, the Buffaloes regressed in nearly every statistical category. The drop in defensive efficiency and offensive consistency made them one of the most disappointing teams in the Pac-12.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season had lasting implications for the Colorado football program, affecting coaching stability, recruiting momentum, and fan engagement. Despite early optimism, the team’s collapse raised concerns about sustainability in the competitive Pac-12.

• Mike MacIntyre’s job security weakened after the losing season, culminating in his firing after the 2018 season despite a mid-year extension.
• Recruiting rankings dropped, with Colorado’s 2018 class falling outside the top 40 nationally, reflecting diminished program appeal.
• Fans expressed frustration, as attendance at Folsom Field dipped slightly compared to the peak enthusiasm of 2016.
• The losing streak highlighted roster depth issues, particularly on the offensive line and secondary, which had been masked in the previous season.
• Colorado failed to build on 2016’s success, becoming a cautionary tale about the challenges of maintaining momentum in college football.
• The season underscored the importance of quarterback development, as injuries to key players disrupted continuity and exposed limited backup quality.

In summary, the 2017 Colorado Buffaloes season serves as a pivotal case study in the volatility of college football programs. While it began with promise, the team’s inability to sustain performance ultimately led to long-term consequences for the program’s trajectory.