Week 9 recap- The Final Buff Clap

With #3 nearing her graduation this coming spring, this past weekend marked my final Family Weekend in Boulder, Colorado. It may also have been my last time participating in the Buff Clap, the stadium ritual performed between the 3rd and 4th quarters of a Buffaloes game.

I was joined by Mrs. Tailgate, #1, #2, and my two sons-in-law to celebrate #3’s final Family Weekend at the University of Colorado. On Friday night, we met up with friends at an outdoor brewery and later visited a speakeasy off Pearl Street in downtown Boulder—a perfect warm-up for the following game day in Boulder.

Around town in Boulder

The Buffaloes, led by Coach Deion "Prime" Sanders and his son QB1 Shedeur, faced off against the Cincinnati Bearcats in a Big 12 matchup. The only downside? An 8:15 PM kickoff. Our pregame festivities started around 4:00 at a house known as The Chateau on the Hill. Classic collegiate tailgate games with red cups and ping-pong balls kept us entertained for hours with family and friends.

The Tailgate Family

Pre gaming at the Chateau

As for the game, the Buffaloes took an early lead, thanks to multiple touchdown passes and a rushing score from Shedeur. one touchdown was even called back for taunting. The Bearcats, despite a spirited effort just couldn’t keep up with the the talented skill position players on the CU squad. The Buffaloes won 34-23, notching their sixth win of the season and becoming bowl-eligible. While this is just one milestone, Coach Prime has bigger ambitions, eyeing a Big 12 championship and a potential College Football Playoff spot. As of this writing, the Buffaloes have broken into the Top 25, now ranked at #23—their first appearance in a while.

Perhaps my final visit to Folsom Field

Around The Country
ESPN College Gameday traveled to Bloomington, Indiana, for the first time, celebrating Indiana University’s rise to football prominence with an 7-0 record. Bloomington even declared October 26th "Lee Corso Day." The Hoosiers defeated reigning national champs Washington to secure their eighth victory of the season. If you ask head coach Kurt Cignetti, he “just wins, Google it.”

In other Big Ten action, Ohio State narrowly edged out Nebraska in Columbus, where Coach Ryan Day was spotted fuming on the sidelines and was suspected of kicking a dog again. Down in the SEC, Alabama got back on track with a 34-0 rout of Mizzou. Texas A&M, backed by their eccentric Yell Leaders, might be the hottest team in the SEC right now, winning against LSU by 15 points.

In the ACC, Miami claimed bragging rights in the Sunshine State, beating Florida State and having previously defeated Florida, solidifying them as state champs. In a nail-biter in Durham, SMU squeaked by Duke with a one-point win, 28-27. Out in the Big 12, Kansas State held off in-state rival Kansas in Manhattan. Notre Dame dominated Navy, winning 51-14 in their most impressive game of the year. Friday night saw Boise State take down UNLV in a clash of two of the strongest Group of Five teams, with Heisman hopeful Ashton Jeanty leading Boise to a 29-24 victory in Las Vegas.

Bieber Award
This week's Bieber Award combines comedy and tragedy. During ESPN College Gameday’s weekly contest, a randomly selected student can win $100,000 by making a 30-yard field goal, cheered on by Pat McAfee. Most students miss the kick, but twice this season, someone has nailed it. However, Saturday’s contestant injured himself during warm-ups in an attempt that left him sliding to the ground in pain, turning him into an instant meme: "6 AM drinking has its hazards." Unable to kick, a replacement stepped in—only to miss the kick as well. Instead of a celebratory $100,000, this student may now be facing medical bills for ACL surgery. On the bright side, he’s also won this week’s Bieber Award.

Ginger Award
In a world where NIL money dominates, it’s refreshing to find a true team-first, country first athlete. Jacksonville State’s QB Tyler Huff exemplifies this spirit. Huff, who transferred from FCS powerhouse Furman, is also a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves. Watching Wednesday night’s game, it was clear that LT Huff’s military discipline translates well on the field. We wish him all the best in both his football and military careers. Keep leading with honor, LT!

Next Up
I’ll head to hurricane stricken Boone, NC, with my high school buddies for our annual outing. The Appalachian State Mountaineers will host Old Dominion in a Sun Belt showdown in the hurricane-battered town.

Happy Tailgating!