1990 Colorado Buffaloes football team


The 1990 Colorado Buffaloes football team represented the University of Colorado Boulder in the 1990 NCAA Division I-A football season. The Buffaloes offense scored 338 points while the defense allowed 160 points. Led by head coach Bill McCartney, Colorado defeated Notre Dame 10–9 in the 1991 Orange Bowl to conclude the season.
Colorado was selected national champions by AP, Berryman, Billingsley, DeVold, FB News, Football Research, FW, Matthews, NFF, Sporting News, and USA/CNN, and co-champion by both FACT and NCF -all NCAA-designated major selectors. Georgia Tech took the UPI Coaches poll title, with both Washington and Miami receiving national titles from other selectors.
Although Georgia Tech finished the season undefeated, Colorado was crowned as national champion by most major selectors in part due to having played a more difficult schedule.

Schedule

Personnel

Rankings

Season summary

vs. Tennessee











Each team dominated with its offensive strength. Mike Pritchard ran for 217 yards and 2 touchdowns as Colorado outgained Tennessee 368-135 on the ground. The Volunteers passed for 368 yards, and future NFL wide receivers Carl Pickens and Alvin Harper each had over 100 yards receiving and a touchdown.

Stanford

Washington

Iowa State













The Buffs scored early and often while totaling 634 yards of total offense.

Notre Dame (Orange Bowl)

Awards and honors