Colorado football rooting guide for week 10 games

On By Littum

In addition to the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign, the Colorado Buffaloes are vying for a conference championship in November for the first time since 2016.

Head coach Deion Sanders’ Buffs are 6-2 and off to a 4-1 start in Big 12 play, but with Iowa State and BYU undefeated entering Week 10, Colorado needs help to reach the conference title game. Simply put, the Buffs beat Iowa State, BYU and Kansas State, which is also 4-1 in Big 12 play with a win over CU.

After losses to Nebraska and Kansas State, Colorado’s only path to reach the 12-team College Football Playoff is likely through winning the Big 12. An at-large bid isn’t completely out of the picture, but Colorado would need significant help (more on that below ).

As the Buffs enjoy their second and final bye week of the regular season, here’s a CU football guide to Week 10 games:

Aryanna Frank-Imagn pictures

Kickoff: Saturday at 1:30 PM ET (ESPN)

A week before Colorado faces Texas Tech (5-3, 3-2 Big 12), the Red Raiders will play Iowa State (7-0, 4-0 Big 12) in Ames. The Cyclones are one of three Big 12 teams ahead of the Buffs in the conference standings, meaning they must lose at least once to make the cut.

Syndication: The Oklahoman

Kickoff: Saturday at 1:30 PM MT (Fox)

Kansas State (7-1, 4-1) handed Colorado its lone Big 12 loss earlier this season, so the Buffs will need a Wildcats loss eventually to reach the conference title game (assuming Colorado wins).

Fortunately for the Buffs, Kansas State and Iowa State meet in the final week of the regular season.

Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn photos

Kickoff: Saturday at 18.00 MT (ESPN2)

This game and the three listed below aren’t nearly as important as Texas Tech-Iowa State and Houston-Kansas State, but Colorado should root for Baylor (4-4, 2-3 Big 12) over TCU (5-3, 3 – 2 Big 12) for two reasons: Colorado has already beaten Baylor (increased win value) and TCU is one game closer to the Buffs in the Big 12 standings.

Syndication: The Oklahoman

Kickoff: Saturday at 17 MT (Fox)

At 2-2 in conference play, Arizona State (5-2 overall) isn’t currently a Big 12 title contender, but the Sun Devils winning out could make things interesting. In addition, Colorado faces Oklahoma State (3-5, 0-5 Big 12) in Week 14.

Michael Madrid-Imagn images

Kickoff: Saturday at 6:00 PM MT (CBS Sports Network)

Unless it hurts them in the Big 12 standings, the Buffs should be rooting for their former opponents to win every week. Colorado’s strength of schedule will look a lot better if CSU (5-3, 3-0 Mountain West) continues to run through its conference slate.

Dylan Widger-Imagn Photos

Kickoff: Saturday at 1:30 PM MT (Big Ten Network)

Colorado’s Week 2 loss in Lincoln won’t look so bad if Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-3, 2-3 Big Ten) are getting their season back on track.

Brian Losness-Imagn photos

Colorado fans also have a vested interest in the Heisman race with cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders among the top contenders. Their primary competition includes Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty (vs. San Diego State Aztecs, Friday, 6 p.m. MT), Oregon ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel (at Michigan WolverinesSaturday at 1:30 PM MT) and Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (vs. Duke Blue DevilsSaturday at 10 MT).