Can Colorado finally break its ranked-opponent curse against No. 25 BYU?

Colorado Buffaloes running back Simeon Price scores a touchdown last Saturday against the Wyoming Cowboys. (Photo by Cristian Blanco/Sko Buffs Sports)

It would be generous to say ranked opponents have spelled trouble for Colorado Buffaloes football. Colorado (2-2, 0-1 Big 12) hosts the No. 25 BYU Cougars (3-0) on Saturday night, the first of several top-25 tests awaiting the Buffaloes in the next few weeks. 

Unfortunately for Colorado faithful, the numbers don’t paint a pretty picture. CU has not beaten a ranked opponent at Folsom Field since a 34-31 overtime win over rival Nebraska in 2019. 

After the Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders era began in 2023 with a win at No. 17 TCU, the Buffs have lost seven straight games against ranked opponents, including a 36-14 rout at the hands of BYU in last year’s Alamo Bowl. The challenge looms large again, as the 2025 Cougars boast the best scoring defense in the FBS, allowing just five points a game. 

This time around, Coach Prime wants to win. 

“Every week is a proving ground," Sanders said in his weekly press conference. "We've got to win these types of games. We've got to be dominant in these types of games."

One reason for optimism is the stability quarterback Kaidon Salter brings, evident in the graduate transfer’s fireworks in Colorado’s 37-20 win over Wyoming last weekend. Salter delivered his best performance in a black and gold uniform, throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns while punctuating the night with a 35-yard rushing score.

BYU is Colorado’s first chance to flip the script on its big-game struggles. However, the gauntlet doesn’t let up. Two more ranked games follow, including an away trip to face No. 24 TCU before hosting duties of No. 14 Iowa State. A high-octane Utah team could well return to the polls to make matters worse before CU travels to Salt Lake City. 

Colorado fans will be desperate to see their team overcome the hurdle of beating a marquee opponent. The Buffs will need to find four more wins to make consecutive bowl game appearances for the first time since 2004-05. That journey begins Saturday at 8:15 p.m. MT (ESPN).