Colorado finished with the most wins in school history, surpassing the 1971 team, and their first conference championship in thirteen years.
The Buffaloes went undefeated in the regular season at 11–0 (7–0 in Big 8) and played for the national title, but lost to fourth-ranked Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl.
[1] The team dedicated the season to senior and former starting quarterback Sal Aunese, who was diagnosed with stomach cancer in late March,[2] and died at age 21 on September 23 due to complications from the disease.
In another feel-good story, the team was host to a Make A Wish recipient Chad Henry for the big game against Nebraska in Boulder.
After cheering on the Buffs to the biggest win in school history in early November, Henry and his family were also invited to attend the national championship game in Miami as guests of the university.