What Is 2020 Colorado Buffaloes football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2020 Colorado Buffaloes football team represented the University of Colorado Boulder in the 2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 3-3 record in a pandemic-shortened schedule under head coach Mel Tucker.

Key Facts

The 2020 Colorado Buffaloes finished the season with a 3-3 overall record
The Pac-12 season was shortened to 7 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Head coach Mel Tucker left for Michigan State after the third game
Defensive end Terrance Lang was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week in November
The team played all home games at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado

Overview

The 2020 Colorado Buffaloes football team represented the University of Colorado Boulder during the 2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in the Pac-12 Conference, the team faced significant disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a shortened and restructured schedule.

Originally slated for a full season, the Pac-12 Conference delayed its start and ultimately launched a seven-game conference-only slate in November 2020. The Buffaloes, led initially by head coach Mel Tucker, struggled with consistency and leadership changes throughout the season.

Season record: The team finished with a 3-3 overall record and 3-3 in Pac-12 play, placing fifth in the South Division.
Head coaching change:Mel Tucker departed after three games to become head coach at Michigan State, creating early-season instability.
Interim leadership: Defensive line coach Mike Sanford Jr. served as acting head coach for the remainder of the season.
Key victory: A 48-12 win over Arizona in December showcased offensive improvement under challenging circumstances.
Home field: All games were played at Folsom Field, though fan attendance was limited or prohibited due to health protocols.

Season Structure and Performance

The 2020 season was defined by pandemic-related adjustments, including a late start and condensed schedule. The Buffaloes opened conference play in late November and played seven games over eight weeks, facing a compressed timeline and limited preparation.

Conference-only format: The Pac-12 adopted a seven-game schedule beginning November 7, eliminating non-conference matchups.
Game cancellations: At least one game was canceled due to COVID-19 outbreaks, affecting team rhythm and momentum.
Offensive struggles: The team averaged 25.3 points per game, ranking near the bottom of the Pac-12 in scoring offense.
Defensive highlights: Defensive end Terrance Lang earned Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week honors after a standout performance against Utah.
Quarterback rotation:Liam McCrohan and J.T. Shrout split time, reflecting ongoing uncertainty at the position.
Injury challenges: Key players, including running back Alex Fontenot, missed multiple games due to injury, weakening depth.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2020 Colorado Buffaloes season against the previous year and conference average in key statistical categories:

Category	2020 Buffaloes	2019 Buffaloes	Pac-12 Average (2020)
Overall Record	3-3	5-7	4.2-4.8
Points Per Game	25.3	25.9	29.1
Points Allowed Per Game	30.8	31.4	28.7
Passing Yards Per Game	218.2	208.7	243.5
Rushing Yards Per Game	142.3	139.1	150.2

The table illustrates that while Colorado’s scoring improved slightly from 2019, their defense remained a concern, allowing more points per game than the conference average. The team showed modest gains in offensive efficiency but lacked the depth and consistency to compete for a bowl berth, which was ultimately canceled for all Pac-12 teams in 2020.

Why It Matters

The 2020 season was a transitional and tumultuous chapter in Colorado football history, reflecting broader challenges across college sports during the pandemic. Despite limited success, the year had lasting implications for program leadership and player development.

Coaching instability: Mel Tucker’s departure created uncertainty, leading to a search that ended with Karl Dorrell’s hiring in February 2021.
Player development: Young talent gained experience in high-pressure situations, setting the foundation for future seasons.
Recruiting impact: The program’s visibility suffered slightly, but Colorado maintained a top-50 national recruiting class for 2021.
Health protocols: The team adhered to strict COVID-19 testing regimens, with multiple players entering and exiting the protocol.
Conference realignment: The Pac-12’s handling of the season influenced future decisions about scheduling flexibility and player safety.
Fan engagement: Limited attendance at Folsom Field reduced revenue and altered the game-day atmosphere for players and staff.

Ultimately, the 2020 Colorado Buffaloes season serves as a case study in resilience and adaptation. While on-field results were mixed, the program navigated unprecedented challenges that tested its organizational strength and long-term vision.