Twenty-five years ago, Colorado won the national championship. The Buffs went into the Orange Bowl as the defending Big Eight champions, and came away as the nation’s No. 1 team.

Less than fifteen years ago, Colorado was again in contention for participating in the national championship game. Instead, the BCS computers somehow figured that Nebraska, which had not won its division much less a conference championship, was more worthy to face Miami for the title than Colorado, even though the Buffs had beaten the Cornhuskers, 62-36, just two weeks earlier.

Just ten years ago, Colorado won its fourth Big 12 North title in five seasons. At the time, claiming “We’re No. 1” in the Big-12 North division didn’t seem to be all that much to crow about.

But such cheers seem like a fantasy compared to what has become of the Colorado football program … a shell of its former self.

To celebrate the 17-13 defeat of Oregon State, with the Buffs claiming the No. 11 spot in the Pac-12, sounds hollow when put up against the history of the CU program.

Ken Crawley: “We’ve just got to keep fighting” … Drew Litton … Oregonian picks CU over OSU … AD update from Rick George

Buffs and Beavers both in the 100’s in rushing defense … Your “T.I.P.S.” for CU’s visit to Corvallis