What Is 2009 Colorado Buffaloes football team

Overview

The 2009 Colorado Buffaloes football team represented the University of Colorado Boulder in the NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in the Big 12 Conference's North Division, the team struggled to find consistency under head coach Dan Hawkins, finishing with a 3–9 overall record and 2–6 in conference play.

Despite high expectations at the start of the season, the Buffaloes failed to qualify for a bowl game for the third consecutive year. The season marked the end of an era, as it was Colorado’s final year in the Big 12 before transitioning to the Pac-10 Conference in 2011, a move that reshaped the program’s future.

• Final record: The team finished 3–9 overall and 2–6 in Big 12 play, their worst conference record since joining the league in 1996.
• Head coach: Dan Hawkins was in his fourth season and was dismissed after the year, ending a 17–48 tenure that included only one winning season.
• Quarterback: Cody Hawkins, son of the head coach, started 10 games and passed for 1,567 yards with 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
• Home stadium: The Buffaloes played all home games at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado, a venue with a capacity of 50,183.
• Conference transition: This was Colorado’s final season in the Big 12 before officially joining the Pac-10 in July 2011, ending 13 years in the conference.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 2009 season was defined by missed opportunities and defensive struggles, with the Buffaloes failing to win consecutive games. Key injuries and inconsistent offensive execution hampered their chances of a turnaround.

• Season opener: Colorado lost 34–17 to Colorado State in the Rocky Mountain Showdown, setting a negative tone for the year.
• First win: The Buffaloes defeated Kansas 34–30 in October, overcoming a 17-point deficit with a late touchdown drive.
• Key loss: A 45–7 defeat to Texas Tech in November highlighted defensive weaknesses, allowing 545 total yards.
• Running game: Freshman Rodney Stewart rushed for 767 yards and two touchdowns, becoming a bright spot in an otherwise struggling offense.
• Defensive stats: The team allowed 33.6 points per game, ranking 109th out of 120 FBS teams in points allowed.
• Final game: Colorado lost 20–3 to Kansas State in the season finale, sealing their 3–9 record and prompting coaching changes.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2009 season compared to recent years in terms of performance and key metrics:

The 2009 team allowed 403 points, the most in a single season since 2001, and scored fewer points than both 2008 and 2007. While the 2010 and 2011 seasons showed slight improvement in wins, the program remained in a rebuilding phase during this period.

Why It Matters

The 2009 season was a pivotal moment in Colorado football history, symbolizing the end of a struggling era and the beginning of a new chapter. The team’s performance underscored the need for major changes both on and off the field.

• Coaching change: Dan Hawkins was fired after the season, leading to the hiring of Jon Embree, who promised a cultural and strategic overhaul.
• Conference realignment: Colorado’s move to the Pac-10 in 2011 was a major shift, altering recruiting, scheduling, and long-term competitiveness.
• Recruiting impact: Poor records from 2007–2009 hurt recruiting, making it harder to attract elite talent during a critical transition period.
• Program identity: The 2009 season highlighted the need for a stronger defensive identity and more consistent quarterback play.
• Fan engagement: Attendance at Folsom Field declined, reflecting growing frustration among the fan base.
• Historical context: This season remains one of the worst in modern Colorado football history, serving as a low point before eventual reforms.

The 2009 Colorado Buffaloes season is remembered not for its success, but for its role in catalyzing change. It marked the end of a difficult chapter and set the stage for a new era in Boulder football.