In a weekend filled with unexpected upsets, the Colorado Buffaloes have emerged as a surprise contender in the wide-open Big 12 conference race. While Deion Sanders and his team sat idle, the Buffaloes capitalized on the misfortunes of their rivals to position themselves as a legitimate Playoff contender.

Seizing the Moment: Colorado's Unexpected Rise

A Shift in the Big 12 Landscape

The Big 12 conference has been a hotbed of parity this season, with several teams vying for the top spot. However, the recent losses by Iowa State and Kansas State have opened the door for Colorado to make a push for the Playoff. The Buffaloes, who won just a single conference game a year ago, have now found themselves in the thick of the Big 12 race, thanks to their resilience and the misfortunes of their opponents.

The Buffaloes' turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable. After trailing 28-0 at halftime against Nebraska in Week 2, the team has shown remarkable grit and determination, refusing to be counted out. Now, with only three undefeated teams remaining in the Big 12, Colorado has a real path to the Playoff, a testament to the unpredictable nature of college football.

The Big 12's Playoff Implications

The current iteration of the Playoff system has given every conference race a renewed sense of relevance, and the Big 12 is no exception. With the conference's top teams stumbling, the Buffaloes have seized the opportunity to assert their dominance. As the only team in the Big 12 with just one conference loss, Colorado has a clear path to the conference championship game, and potentially, the Playoff.

The Buffaloes' remaining schedule presents a favorable opportunity to solidify their position. With games against Texas Tech, Kansas, and Colorado State, Colorado has a chance to control its own destiny. Meanwhile, the conference's other contenders, BYU and Iowa State, face tougher schedules, including matchups against each other and other top-tier opponents.

The Heisman Hopeful: Travis Hunter

One of the key factors in Colorado's resurgence has been the emergence of wide receiver-defensive back Travis Hunter as a Heisman Trophy contender. While the Buffaloes were idle, Hunter took the national stage, participating in a media tour of pregame shows, showcasing his versatility and talent.

Hunter's performance this season has been nothing short of electrifying, and his ability to impact the game on both offense and defense has made him a must-watch player. As the Buffaloes continue their push for the Playoff, Hunter's Heisman campaign will undoubtedly gain momentum, adding to the excitement surrounding the team.

The Playoff Landscape: Opportunities Abound

The chaos that has unfolded in the Big 12 has not only benefited Colorado but has also opened up the Playoff race in other conferences. The ACC's hopes of landing two teams in the Playoff took a hit with Clemson's loss to Louisville, while the Big Ten's top teams have solidified their positions.

In the SEC, the race for the automatic bid to the Playoff remains unpredictable, with several teams vying for the top spot. The Group of 5 also presents an intriguing storyline, with Boise State emerging as a potential dark horse candidate for the Playoff's fourth seed.

As the season progresses, the Playoff picture will continue to evolve, and the Buffaloes will be closely watched as they navigate their path to the postseason. With the right combination of wins and a little bit of luck, Colorado could find itself in the national spotlight, vying for a spot in the Playoff.