What Is 2015 Colorado Buffaloes football team

Overview

The 2015 Colorado Buffaloes football team marked a turning point in the program’s modern era, achieving its best season in over a decade. Competing in the Pac-12 Conference under head coach Mike MacIntyre, the Buffaloes posted a 10–2 record, their first 10-win season since 2001 and first winning season since 2005.

Colorado’s resurgence was fueled by a strong defense and consistent quarterback play, culminating in a Pac-12 South Division title. Though they fell short in the conference championship, the season reestablished Colorado as a competitive force in the Pac-12.

• Record: The team finished the regular season 10–2 overall and 6–2 in Pac-12 play, securing the South Division crown with a head-to-head win over Utah.
• Head Coach: Mike MacIntyre, in his third season, was named Pac-12 Coach of the Year after transforming a struggling program into a division champion.
• Key Victory: A 41–20 win over Utah on November 26 clinched the South Division, marking Colorado’s first division title since the Pac-12’s formation in 2011.
• Postseason: Despite winning the South, Colorado lost 41–10 to Washington in the Pac-12 Championship Game on December 5, 2015, at Levi’s Stadium.
• Final Ranking: The Buffaloes finished the season ranked No. 23 in the final AP Poll and were invited to the Alamo Bowl, where they lost 38–0 to Oklahoma.

Key Players and Performance

Several players stepped up to drive Colorado’s success in 2015, with standout performances on both sides of the ball. The team’s improvement was particularly evident in close games and conference matchups.

• Quarterback Sefo Liufau: Threw for 2,703 yards and 18 touchdowns with only 7 interceptions, showcasing leadership and durability despite injuries.
• Running back Phillip Lindsay: Rushed for 702 yards and 3 touchdowns, providing a dynamic spark out of the backfield and on special teams.
• Defensive end Deon Figures: Wait, correction—Deon Figures played in the 1990s; in 2015, Deon Bush was not on the team—actually, standout defender was Chidobe Awuzie, who recorded 71 tackles and 3 interceptions.
• Linebacker Derek McCartney: Led the team with 9.5 tackles for loss and anchored the defensive front with consistent pressure.
• Kicker Diego Gonzalez: Made 18 of 23 field goals, including a crucial 45-yarder in the Utah game, helping secure the division title.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2015 Colorado Buffaloes compared to recent seasons and key rivals:

The data shows a dramatic improvement from 2014 to 2015, both in win-loss record and statistical performance. Colorado outpaced rivals like Utah in conference play and defense, despite losing head-to-head matchups in previous years. The team’s defensive turnaround was especially notable, cutting points allowed by nearly 15 per game.

Why It Matters

The 2015 season was a landmark for Colorado football, symbolizing a return to relevance after years of underperformance. It laid the foundation for future recruiting success and raised expectations across the athletic department.

• Program Momentum: The 10-win season was Colorado’s first since 2001, restoring confidence among fans and alumni.
• Coach of the Year: Mike MacIntyre earned Pac-12 Coach of the Year honors, validating his rebuilding strategy.
• Recruiting Boost: Success in 2015 helped attract higher-rated recruits, including future NFL players like Travis Hunter.
• Bowl Exposure: Despite the Alamo Bowl loss, national TV appearances increased Colorado’s visibility.
• Defensive Identity: The team allowed just 20.1 points per game, establishing a tough, physical style under coordinator Jim Leavitt.
• Historical Context: It was Colorado’s best season since their 2001 Big 12 Championship run, reigniting memories of past glory.

The 2015 Buffaloes may not have won a national title, but they redefined what was possible for a program long overshadowed by conference rivals. Their season remains a benchmark for future Colorado teams to emulate.