Projected final 2020 College Football Playoff Top 25 rankings after Week 16

Colorado blew any chance to make a louder argument for the Pac-12 title when they lost to Utah in their regular-season finale in Week 15. After USC lost to Oregon, the Buffaloes will at least be able to take solace in landing among the top 25 in the final batch of College Football Playoff rankings. In Karl Dorrell’s first season in Boulder, wracked as it was with the uncertainty borne from a pandemic, this was a masterful coaching job for the former UCLA head man.

Given everything working against the Buffaloes, it was remarkable to see them in the hunt for an undefeated season until the final week. Jarek Broussard was one of the breakout stars of 2020, averaging 162.6 yards per game to rank among the top five running backs in the country. Sam Noyer was steady at quarterback, though he averaged an interception per game. Colorado’s defense was among the 10 best nationally at generating tackles for loss and in terms of opponents’ passing efficiency.

The Buffaloes are still debating about whether to accept a bowl bid this season given the ongoing concerns about COVID-19. While the athletic department is ready to accept an invitation should Colorado receive one in a year where Pac-12 opportunities are depleted, Dorrell and the school are leaving the decision up to the players themselves as to whether or not to take on a postseason challenge after a trying season.