With another new head coach, Colorado also has toughest Pac-12 football schedule
Colorado has finished with a losing record in football three straight seasons and could again in 2020 with the Pac-12's toughest schedule.
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Can you name a college football team that has finished with the same 5-7 record in four straight seasons but with four different head coaches? That is what the University of Colorado is potentially starting at in 2020, and the Buffs are rated as having the Pac-12's toughest overall schedule via CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli.
The 5-7 run began under Mike MacIntyre in 2017. His 2018 team looked like a Pac-12 contender after winning its first five games, but following a six-game losing streak MacIntyre was fired. Kurt Roper coached the season finale as interim head coach and lost it at California.
Mel Tucker was CU's coach in 2019 and the Buffs started solid enough at 3-1 but then went on a five-game skid and would finish with that 5-7 mark. Despite the mediocrity, Michigan State threw a bunch of money at Tucker to take over in East Lansing and replace Mark Dantonio, who had stepped down in February.
Needless to say, losing Tucker right before National Signing Day was a big hit to Colorado. The school had its eyes on former Buffs running back and current Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, but he opted to stay in the NFL.
The school would then hire Miami Dolphins assistant head coach Karl Dorrell. He was CU's offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach from 1995-98 and the receiver coach from 1992-93. Fourteen starters are due back from last year's team but not quarterback Steven Montez.
Out of conference, Colorado visits Colorado State, hosts Fresno State and visits Texas A&M. No sure victories there. In Pac-12 play, the Buffs have to face three North Division powerhouses (at least usually they are) in Oregon, Washington and Stanford in addition to of course playing every South Division school. There really isn't a cupcake on the entire Colorado schedule.
CU is a +10000 long shot on the William Hill sportsbook moneyline odds to win the Pac-12 title. The Buffaloes' season win total likely will be set way down at 3.5.
Just for a point of comparison, USC, which ranks as having the Pac-12's second-toughest overall schedule, gets a home date against weak sister New Mexico – but also has to play Alabama and Notre Dame.
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