After making a bowl appearance for the first time in nine years, the Colorado Buffaloes (10-4, 8-2 Pac-12) finish the season ranked No. 17 in the AP poll. It’s the highest postseason ranking in 15 years, since coming in at No. 9 in 2001. This season marks the first time in 11 years the Buffaloes were ranked along with a winning record.
CU’s joined by four other Pac-12 teams in the poll with USC Trojans at No. 3, followed by No. 4 Washington Huskies, No. 12 Stanford Cardinal, and No. 23 Utah Utes.
The top spot in the rankings was secured by the Clemson Tigers, who won their first national championship in 35 years, beating former No.