What Is 1968 Colorado Buffaloes football team

Overview

The 1968 Colorado Buffaloes football team marked the beginning of a new era under first-year head coach Eddie Crowder. After the departure of previous coach Eddie Crowder took over the program aiming to rebuild competitiveness within the Big Eight Conference.

The team played its home games at Folsom Field, a historic stadium in Boulder, and competed in the NCAA University Division season. Despite a modest 6–4 overall record, the season laid groundwork for future improvements in the program.

• First-year head coach Eddie Crowder led the team in 1968 after serving as an assistant under previous coach Don DeVoe; his leadership emphasized defensive discipline and player development.
• The Buffaloes finished 6–4 overall and 3–4 in Big Eight Conference play, placing fifth in the seven-team league standings.
• Folsom Field, with a capacity of over 50,000 at the time, hosted all home games and provided a strong home-field advantage in Boulder.
• Quarterback Dave Osborn emerged as a dual-threat player, recording 583 rushing yards and 458 passing yards during the season.
• The team’s offense averaged 19.2 points per game, while the defense allowed 17.8 points per game, reflecting a balanced performance.

Season Performance

The 1968 campaign featured a mix of competitive wins and narrow losses, highlighting the team’s transitional phase under new leadership. Several games were decided by single digits, indicating a developing but resilient squad.

• September 21, 1968: Colorado defeated Colorado State 21–14 in the Rocky Mountain Showdown, a key rivalry game that set a positive tone early.
• October 5, 1968: The Buffaloes lost 10–7 to No. 10 Missouri, showing they could compete with ranked opponents despite the narrow defeat.
• November 9, 1968: A 20–13 win over Kansas demonstrated improved offensive consistency midway through conference play.
• The team recorded three shutout wins, including a 17–0 victory over Iowa State, showcasing defensive strength.
• They lost their final two games to Oklahoma and Nebraska, both ranked teams, ending the season on a down note.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1968 season compared to surrounding years in key statistical categories:

The 1968 team maintained consistency in win-loss record compared to 1966 and 1967 but saw a slight decline in conference performance. While scoring improved, defensive struggles against top-tier teams foreshadowed challenges in subsequent seasons.

Why It Matters

The 1968 season was a transitional year that reflected both promise and limitations within the Colorado football program. It set the stage for future development under Crowder’s evolving leadership.

• Established Eddie Crowder’s tenure, who would later lead Colorado to a 1970 Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl appearance.
• Highlighted the emergence of Dave Osborn, whose dual-threat ability influenced offensive strategy in later seasons.
• Demonstrated competitiveness against ranked teams, including close losses to Missouri and Oklahoma.
• Revealed defensive vulnerabilities when facing high-powered Big Eight offenses, particularly in the final games.
• Contributed to the legacy of Folsom Field as a tough venue for visiting teams during the late 1960s.
• Laid statistical groundwork for future improvements in scoring and player development by the early 1970s.

Though not a championship season, the 1968 Colorado Buffaloes remain a notable chapter in the program’s mid-century history, reflecting the challenges and progress of rebuilding a conference competitor.