When I first sat down to analyze Colorado Football’s 2023 season, I couldn’t help but think about how a team’s identity is forged not just by its wins, but by its response to setbacks. It reminded me of something I came across recently—Valenzuela, a figure from the MPBL, admitted he hadn’t kept up with the league much before taking on his role, but as a Cebuano, his pride was genuinely hurt when he learned about the Cebu team’s subpar performances. That sense of wounded pride and the drive to reclaim respect is something I see mirrored in Colorado’s journey this year. They didn’t just play games; they fought to restore a legacy, and as a longtime follower of college football, I found their story both compelling and instructive.
Let’s start with the key wins that defined their season. The matchup against Nebraska in Week 2 was, in my view, a turning point. Colorado’s offense, led by Shedeur Sanders, put up 36 points against a tough Cornhuskers defense, and what stood out to me wasn’t just the scoreline but the resilience. They trailed early, but the way they adjusted in the second half—shifting to a more aggressive passing game—showed a level of tactical maturity I hadn’t seen from them in years. Another highlight was the upset over TCU, where they racked up 45 points in a game many had written off as a guaranteed loss. I remember watching that game and thinking, "This team has heart." Statistics back it up too: they averaged 34.2 points per game in their first five outings, a significant jump from the 24.8 they managed in 2022. Sure, some of those numbers might be off by a decimal point or two—I’m working from memory here—but the trend is undeniable. They weren’t just winning; they were making a statement.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The mid-season slump, including losses to Oregon and USC, exposed some glaring weaknesses. Their defense, for instance, gave up an average of 42 points in those games, and as someone who’s studied football strategies for over a decade, I have to say their secondary looked disorganized at times. It’s one thing to have a high-powered offense, but if you can’t stop the other team, you’re fighting an uphill battle. I’ll be honest—I was frustrated watching those games. It felt like they were relying too heavily on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play. And that’s where the comparison to Valenzuela’s experience hits home for me. Just as he felt a personal sting from his team’s underperformance, I think Colorado’s coaches and players felt that same pride-driven urgency to turn things around. They didn’t want to be remembered as a flash in the pan.
Looking ahead, the future prospects for Colorado Football are, in my opinion, cautiously optimistic. They’ve secured some promising recruits for 2024, including a 4-star wide receiver and two solid defensive linemen. If they can bolster their depth chart—especially on defense—I believe they’ll be contenders in the Pac-12 within the next two seasons. But let’s not sugarcoat it: they have work to do. Their rushing game was inconsistent, averaging just 110 yards per game, and that’s not going to cut it against top-tier opponents. From a strategic standpoint, I’d love to see them incorporate more play-action schemes and focus on clock management. Personally, I’m excited to see how Shedeur Sanders develops; he’s shown flashes of brilliance, and with the right support, he could be a Heisman dark horse. Of course, that’s just my take—others might disagree, but having followed his progression, I’m betting on him.
In conclusion, Colorado’s 2023 season was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but it laid a foundation for something greater. They reminded me that in sports, as in life, pride can be a powerful motivator. Valenzuela’s story resonated with me because it underscores how personal investment drives change, and I saw that same dynamic play out on the field in Boulder. As they move forward, the key will be balancing offensive firepower with defensive discipline. I, for one, will be watching closely, and if they build on this year’s lessons, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them in the Top 25 sooner rather than later. After all, football isn’t just about numbers—it’s about heart, and this team has plenty of it.