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College Football Rankings: Top 25 entering spring games

By Brad Weiss

December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; General view of the College Football Playoff championship trophy during the game between the Clemson Tigers and Ohio State Buckeyes at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; General view of the College Football Playoff championship trophy during the game between the Clemson Tigers and Ohio State Buckeyes at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Colorado Buffaloes running back Phillip Lindsay (23) carries the ball against the Washington Huskies during the Pac-12 championship at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Colorado Buffaloes running back Phillip Lindsay (23) carries the ball against the Washington Huskies during the Pac-12 championship at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Colorado Buffaloes

2016: 10-4, Pac 12- South Division

It was an incredible comeback season for the Colorado Buffaloes in 2016, as the perennial doormat of the Pac-12 South Division came out of nowhere to represent the division in the Pac-12 title game. The Buffaloes were led by senior quarterback Sefo Liufau, who helped his team to the school’s first 10-win season since 2001. Head coach Mike MacIntyre has turned the program around, and with sophomore Steven Montez at the helm next season, they should not miss a beat offensively.

The Buffs offense will definitely be aided by star running back Phillip Lindsay, who had a breakout season in 2016. Lindsay will team with an experienced core of wide receivers, as the top-5 pass catchers from last season will all return, led by Devin Ross and Shay Fields. They are going to have to be tough on the road this season, as they travel to play Washington State and UCLA on the road, two teams who will be throwing the ball all day against the Buffs.

Colorado may struggle against the likes of Washington State and UCLA due to the fact they are going to have to revamp their defensive secondary. While Colorado will be without guys like Chidobe Awuzie, they do expect a big season from Nick Foster, who should be one of the better safeties in the Pac-12. He is going to have his work cut out for him, as it was the defense that really separated the Buffaloes from their competition last season.

MacIntyre is going to have his team ready, as they in no way expect to take a step back in 2017. They do get Washington and USC at home, and those are two games they are going to need if they hope to stay in the running in the South. The Pac-12 is going to be tight next season, but Colorado has a nice blend of talent on both sides of the ball to stay relevant for at least the next couple of seasons.

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