Was Colorado snubbed? Sure. At least if we are willing to have a little fun with the word.
Georgia Tech received four points in the preseason Associated Press Top 25 poll. Colorado then traveled to Atlanta, defeated the Yellow Jackets and received only three points when the new rankings were released.
The US LBM Coaches Poll was even less impressed, giving the Buffaloes one single vote.
So, according to the polls, beating Georgia Tech was somehow worth less than merely expecting something from Georgia Tech.
In reality, none of this is particularly surprising. Polls begin with a preseason order, and teams generally move incrementally unless they defeat a ranked opponent or produce an overwhelming result. Coach Prime's squad started with no votes after finishing 3–9 last season and escaped Atlanta with a 14–13 victory.
Colorado did more than survive in Atlanta
Deion Sanders' Buffs entered its opener as a 6.5-point underdog. The Buffaloes were picked to finish near the bottom of the Big 12 and faced questions about their size, physicality and ability to recover from last season.
They answered many of those questions against Georgia Tech.
Colorado rushed for 183 yards while holding the Yellow Jackets to 51. Georgia Tech averaged only 1.7 yards per carry, allowing the Buffaloes to control the line of scrimmage against a team expected to expose their lack of size.
The finish required some drama.
Julian Lewis directed the defining drive of his young career and connected with Charlie Williams for the go-ahead touchdown with 42 seconds remaining. Georgia Tech quickly moved into position to win, but Boo Carter blocked the potential game-winning field goal as time expired.
Colorado did not open against an overmatched opponent selected to provide a comfortable victory. It traveled across the country, played before a sold-out crowd and defeated a Power Four opponent that oddsmakers expected to win.
The result apparently persuaded one Coaches Poll voter to place Colorado at No. 25.
The polls are still protecting the preseason order
Colorado was not the only team outside the rankings with an argument.
Boise State received 86 AP points despite losing at Oregon. Michigan received 69 after requiring a controversial extra second and a second Hail Mary attempt to escape Western Michigan. Louisville collected 125 Coaches Poll points following its season-opening loss to Ole Miss.
Meanwhile, Colorado received three AP points and one point from the coaches.
That is how early-season polls work. Voters remain attached to preseason expectations, established brands and teams they already placed on their ballots. Colorado began outside that group and will have to force its way into the conversation.
The Buffaloes’ opportunity is coming.
Colorado hosts Weber State before traveling to Northwestern and Baylor. Weber State is an FCS opponent, but the Buffaloes cannot afford to treat their home opener as a formality.
If CU handles Weber State, it will enter the Northwestern game at 2–0. Victories over Northwestern and Baylor would send the Buffaloes into October undefeated, with three Power Four road wins already on their résumé.
At 4–0, Colorado’s place in the Top 25 should no longer be open for debate.
Then we can start complaining about the Buffaloes being snubbed from the top 10.
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