The Unfulfilled Rivalry between Colorado Buffaloes and Utah Utes in the Pac-12

The relationship between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Utah Utes represents a missed opportunity for a fierce rivalry in college football. The two teams joined the Pac-12 together in 2011, but never quite reached the levels of animosity seen in their matchups against other teams. However, had things played out differently, Colorado could have viewed Utah as a true rival.

Historically, the Buffaloes and Utes have a long-standing relationship as conference foes. They shared two conferences before joining the Pac-12 and have a game history that dates back to the early 1900s. From 1903 to 1908, CU played Utah six times as nonconference opponents, winning four of those games. From 1910 to 1947, the teams faced off as conference rivals in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and the Mountain States Conference. Even after CU moved on to the Big 7 in 1948, they continued to play each other annually until 1962.

After a long hiatus, the teams met again in 2011 when they joined the Pac-12. During their time in the conference, Utah dominated with an 11-2 record, bringing the overall series standings to 35-32-3 in favor of the Utes. With Colorado’s move to the Big 12, there is potential for the tides to turn back in their favor.

Despite not having reached their full potential as rivals during their time together in the Pac-12, there is still hope for a renewed rivalry between these two historic programs. For ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes