Colorado Drops in ESPN FPI Rankings After Disappointing Bowl Loss
ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI), a computer-based ranking system, frequently updates during the postseason, unlike the regular season when adjustments occur weekly. With bowl games staggered across the schedule, teams can experience significant shifts in rankings while others remain static until their games are played.
For Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes, the latest update brought a sobering reality. Following their 36-14 defeat at the hands of BYU in the Valero Alamo Bowl, Colorado experienced a sharp drop in the FPI rankings. The Buffaloes, who had entered the matchup ranked 19th, fell four spots to No. 23. Meanwhile, their victorious opponent, BYU, surged six places, climbing from No. 32 to No. 26.
The game itself was a rough outing for Colorado. The team found itself trailing 27-0 by the third quarter, struggling to generate any offensive momentum. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders had a mixed performance, completing 16 of 23 passes for 208 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Despite the loss, two-way phenom Travis Hunter provided a bright spot, catching four passes for 106 yards and a touchdown, further cementing his status as one of college football’s most dynamic players.
The loss brought Colorado’s season to a close with a 9-4 record—an impressive turnaround from the team’s 4-8 finish just a year prior. Deion Sanders’ ability to revitalize the Buffaloes in his second year as head coach has been nothing short of remarkable, turning the program into a contender in the highly competitive Big 12 conference.
However, the road ahead presents new challenges. With star players like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter set to declare for the NFL Draft, Coach Prime faces the daunting task of rebuilding key parts of his roster. The departure of these cornerstone athletes will undoubtedly leave a void, but Sanders has already proven his ability to recruit top talent and instill a winning culture.
While the Alamo Bowl loss was a bitter end to an otherwise successful season, it also serves as a stepping stone for the future. Colorado’s rise in the college football landscape has captured national attention, and all eyes will be on how Sanders navigates the offseason and prepares for 2025. The journey may be uphill, but if the past two seasons are any indication, Coach Prime and the Buffaloes are poised to continue defying expectations.