What Is 1965 Colorado Buffaloes football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1965 Colorado Buffaloes football team represented the University of Colorado in the 1965 NCAA University Division season, finishing with a 6–4 record under head coach Eddie Crowder. They played in the Big Eight Conference and were invited to the 1965 Liberty Bowl, which they lost to Alabama 13–3.

Key Facts

1965 Colorado Buffaloes finished with a 6–4 overall record and 4–3 in the Big Eight Conference.
The team was coached by Eddie Crowder, in his first season as head coach.
They played in the 1965 Liberty Bowl on December 18, 1965, losing 13–3 to Alabama.
The Buffaloes scored 158 total points during the regular season, averaging 15.8 per game.
They defeated rivals Colorado State 30–0 in the annual Rocky Mountain Showdown.

Overview

The 1965 Colorado Buffaloes football team represented the University of Colorado in the NCAA University Division football season. Competing in the Big Eight Conference, the team was led by first-year head coach Eddie Crowder, who took over after the departure of Sonny Grandelius.

The Buffaloes played their home games at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado, and finished the season with a 6–4 overall record and a 4–3 mark in conference play. Despite not winning the conference title, their performance earned them a postseason bowl invitation.

Record: The team finished 6–4 overall and 4–3 in the Big Eight, placing them in the middle of the conference standings.
Head Coach:Eddie Crowder became head coach in 1965 after Sonny Grandelius resigned amid NCAA violations; Crowder had previously been an assistant at Oklahoma.
Bowl Appearance: The Buffaloes played in the 1965 Liberty Bowl on December 18, 1965, at Municipal Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Bowl Result: Colorado lost to the Alabama Crimson Tide 13–3, with the game dominated by Alabama’s defense and field position.
Key Victory: They defeated in-state rival Colorado State 30–0 in the annual Rocky Mountain Showdown, a game that remains a highlight of the season.

Performance and Season Highlights

The 1965 season was marked by transition, with a new head coach and a mix of returning and developing talent. Colorado showed flashes of potential but struggled with consistency, particularly on offense.

Offensive Output: The Buffaloes scored 158 total points in 10 games, averaging 15.8 points per game, which ranked modestly among Division I teams.
Defensive Effort: They allowed 134 points on the season, averaging 13.4 per game, showing a relatively strong defensive foundation.
Home Record: Colorado went 4–2 at Folsom Field, winning key games against Kansas and Colorado State.
Road Challenges: The team struggled away from home, posting a 2–2 record in true road games and 0–1 in neutral-site contests.
Alabama Matchup: In the Liberty Bowl, Joe Namath led Alabama with precise passing, while Colorado’s offense was stifled by poor field position and turnovers.
Season Opener: The Buffaloes started strong with a 28–7 win over Utah State, setting a positive tone for the early season.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1965 Colorado Buffaloes compared to other teams in their conference and postseason opponents:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Bowl Result	Points Scored
Colorado	6–4	4–3	Lost Liberty Bowl 13–3	158
Oklahoma	8–3	5–2	Lost Gator Bowl	197
Nebraska	6–4	4–3	No Bowl	152
Kansas	6–4	5–2	No Bowl	165
Alabama (opponent)	9–3	N/A (SEC)	Won Liberty Bowl	252

While Colorado’s record matched those of Nebraska and Kansas, their bowl eligibility gave them an edge in visibility. Alabama, despite a losing SEC record, was selected for the Liberty Bowl due to national prominence and drawing power. The comparison shows Colorado’s offense was slightly above average among peers, but their defense was key to their bowl berth.

Why It Matters

The 1965 season was a transitional but notable chapter in Colorado football history, marking the beginning of the Eddie Crowder era and maintaining the program’s competitiveness during a period of NCAA scrutiny.

Coaching Transition: Eddie Crowder’s promotion signaled a shift toward integrity after NCAA violations under the previous regime, helping restore the program’s reputation.
Bowl Eligibility: The Liberty Bowl appearance kept Colorado in the national conversation and provided valuable exposure.
Recruiting Impact: Participating in a bowl game helped attract recruits, especially in a competitive regional landscape.
Historical Context: This season preceded Colorado’s rise in the 1980s and 1990s, laying groundwork for future success.
Rivalry Strength: The dominant 30–0 win over Colorado State reinforced the Buffaloes’ in-state superiority.
Legacy: Though not a championship season, the 1965 team is remembered for resilience and setting the tone for Crowder’s long tenure.

The 1965 Colorado Buffaloes may not rank among the program’s most successful teams, but they played a crucial role in stabilizing the football program during a challenging era. Their season reflects the ups and downs of collegiate athletics, where development and integrity often matter as much as wins and losses.