Trying to relive The Rise of the Colorado Buffaloes? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list our most popular content from the truly unique and special 2016 season. Here are what you, our beloved readers, consumed, shared and dubbed the most popular stories of 2016.
The story of the man who was meant to revive Colorado Football
By Ryan Koenigsberg
Ryan Koenigsberg writes the story of Sefo Liufau, the man tabbed to bring CU back to greatness. Liufau, known for his tenacity, will be remembered as the quarterback that the engineered The Rise. Koenigsberg caught up with Liufau, his parents and his brother for this all-encompassing piece.
The Rise of the Colorado Buffaloes can be traced back to one word
By Allie Monroy
Allie Monroy discovers the one word behind The Rise. What changed with Colorado Football this year? Monroy finds the answer.
They set out to ‘Make CU Great Again’ and paved the road to a signature win
By Ryan Koenigsberg
Ryan Koenigsberg overviews how Colorado got their signature win. What did it take for the Buffaloes to get back to the point of getting conference road wins? Koenigsberg gives a game-by-game look into the key turning points from season’s past.
Whelan: A letter to myself regarding The Rise of Colorado Football
By Will Whelan
In a way only Will Whelan can, he thanks just about everyone involved with Colorado Football for the Buffaloes return to relevance.
The Colorado Buffaloes arrived one year early, even Mike MacIntyre admits it
By Jake Shapiro
Jake Shapiro looks back at Bill McCartney and compares him to Mike MacIntyre. Why would Shapiro do that? because that’s what MacIntyre himself does.
The CU Buffs are back, believe it
By Ted Chalfen
Ted Chalfen gives the fan’s perspective of what it was like to go through the Oregon game. Like all fans, he doubted that it could happen for Colorado but in the end, he noticed a change and boy did it feel good for him.
Three Things: The Buffs are “not going back!”
By Jake Shapiro
Even for a passionate man, Mike MacInyre had one quote in 2016 that may stand a cut above the rest. Following the Stanford game, Jake Shapiro was there to catch it and write about it. Shapiro writes that the Buffaloes former hardships have given them a sense of entitlement.
The Colorado Buffaloes are 7-2… and they’re pissed off
By Ryan Koenigsberg
The Buffs beat the Bruins for the first time in a long time, they were 7-2 for the first time in a long time Ryan Koenigsberg captures their attitude, which was far from delight.
Column: Like it or not, MacIntyre not cutting corners
By Will Whelan
In the wake of Baylor University mess, Will Whelan writes that Mike MacIntyre is doing it the right way in Boulder, both as man and football coach.
Colorado’s secondary is the most disruptive force in college football
By Sam Weaver
The Rise of the Buffaloes was thanks in large part to the ascension of their secondary. The trio of seniors in Tedric Thompson, Chidobe Awuzie and Ahkello Witherspoon became one of the best in Colorado Football history. In fact, Sam Weaver dubs the most disruptive group in college football.
It almost ended for Ryan Moeller, now he’s got a bigger chip on his shoulder
by Jake Shapiro
A car accident derailed Ryan Moeller’s 2015 season—and almost his football career—but he was back in 2016 and in a big way. Jake Shapiro caught up with the Buffs’ safety-turned-linebacker right before the season started.
Colorado’s return to prominence built on the uncommon man
by Allie Monroy
In an exclusive with Mike MacIntyre Allie Monroy uncovers what is important in the men that build MacIntyre’s program. Monroy compares this Coach Mac with his predecessor Coach Mac.
A letter to you, the sad CU fan
by Ted Chalfen
Following the Colorado Buffaloes’ loss in the Pac-12 Title many fans lost perspective, Ted Chalfen didn’t. Chalfen gave a healthy dose of ‘member berries to the CU contingent.
Chiaverini instilled belief that “this is where Colorado should be”
by Chase Howell
Chase Howell caught up with Darrin Chiaverini in San Antonio just before the bowl game. Howell writes of Chiaverini’s importance to the coaching staff as its newest member.
WATCH: Former CU kicker Aric Goodman is the gift that keeps on giving
by William Whelan
Maybe the most infamous BSN Buffs story of 2016, just sit back, press play and enjoy this one.
Staff Picks
Welcome to the slogan that changed Colorado Football
By Jake Shapiro
Welcome To The Fight was the slogan of the 2016 Colorado Buffaloes, it sounds cool but what does it mean? Jake Shapiro got an exclusive with Mike MacIntyre to find out.
They Made CU Good Again: Buffs not ready for greatness
By Ryan Koenigsberg
Following the season-ending loss in the Alamo Bowl Ryan Koenigsberg put a bow on the season. One that will be remembered for The Rise but also for its imperfect ending.
The Rise is Real: Buffaloes clip Ducks in Eugene
By Jake Shapiro
BSN Buffs’ game story from Mike MacIntyre’s “signature win.” This win, no matter the legacy of the season may never be forgotten in CU history, Jake Shapiro has the recap.
PHOTOS: CU Buffs beat Oregon in nail-biter
By Matt Sisneros
BSN Buffs’ exclusive gallery from Mike MacIntyre’s “signature win.” Aside from the importance of the game, it’s arguably our extremely talented photographer Matt Sisneros’ best game gallery.
Understanding the significance of Colorado’s return to the polls
By Ted Chalfen
Just after Colorado’s victory over Oregon, they beat Oregon State. That latter win led to Colorado’s return to the national rankings, an honor that had long eluded them. Before 2016 it was so long the Buffaloes had a number next to their name that Ted Chalfen had to take us back.
Sefo Liufau cements himself as a CU Buffs legend
By Jake Shapiro
They wanted Connor Wood. They wanted Jordan Gehrke. They wanted Cade Apsay. They wanted Davis Webb. They got a legend. Sefo Liufau’s performance 345-yard passing, 113 yard rushing three touchdowns performance lead the Buffs to their first win against a ranked opponent since 2009.
MacIntyre deflects honors, credits his ‘heroes’
By Allie Monroy
Just as the awards started to roll in for Mike MacIntyre Allie Monroy was able to catch up with the head coach. He didn’t care much for the awards more for the people who made them possible.
Colorado Reinforces Proverb: Defense wins championships
By Jake Shapiro
The Pac-12 South was won on the back of the Buffaloes defense. Jake Shapiro writes that the South clinching game against Utah was a defensive performance that won’t be forgotten anytime soon in Boulder.
Audio Highlights: Colorado wins the Rumble and the South
By Jake Shapiro
As called by Jake Shapiro, this is how the South clinching game sounded.
PHOTOS: Senior Day and South sealed
By Matt Sisneros, Taylor Wilder and Sam Weaver
As photographed by Matt Sisneros, Taylor Wilder and Sam Weaver this is how the South clinching game looked.
