How Deion Sanders and Colorado’s still have a shot at the Big 12 Championship

Colorado Buffaloes, under the leadership of Coach Deion Sanders, still have a narrow pathway to the Big 12 Conference championship game despite a recent setback. Following a 37-21 loss to Kansas, the Buffaloes find themselves in a four-way tie for first place alongside BYU, Arizona State, and Iowa State. However, with one game left in the regular season, there are still scenarios that could see Colorado advance to the title game.

How Colorado Can Secure a Spot

To remain in contention, Colorado (8-3) must win their regular-season finale against Oklahoma State (3-8) on Friday. Beyond that, two possible routes could ensure their place:

1. Two Other First-Place Teams Lose
   If at least two of the other tied teams (BYU, Arizona State, or Iowa State) lose their final games, Colorado could either top the standings outright or end in a favorable two-way tie.
2. Specific Results from Other Games
   Alternatively, if BYU loses to Houston and Texas Tech defeats West Virginia, the resulting three-way tie for first would work in Colorado’s favor due to Big 12 tiebreaker rules.

If either scenario unfolds, Colorado will compete for the Big 12 championship on December 7 in Arlington, Texas. Otherwise, the Buffaloes will head to a non-playoff bowl game, such as the Holiday Bowl or Alamo Bowl, scheduled for late December.

What Happens if All Teams Win?

Should all four first-place teams—Colorado, BYU, Arizona State, and Iowa State—win their final games, Arizona State and Iowa State would face off for the championship. This outcome relies on performance against shared conference opponents (Kansas, Kansas State, Utah, and Central Florida). Arizona State holds a perfect 4-0 record against these teams, giving them a clear advantage in tiebreaker calculations.

Three-Way Tie Scenarios

If only three teams tie for first place, the situation varies depending on which team loses:

• If Colorado loses, Arizona State and Iowa State would advance.
• If Arizona State loses, Iowa State and BYU would advance.
• If Iowa State loses, Arizona State and BYU would play for the title.
• If BYU loses, Colorado would need Texas Tech to defeat West Virginia to secure a spot.

In the last scenario, Colorado’s win over Texas Tech would prove pivotal in tiebreaker considerations. However, if West Virginia beats Texas Tech, Colorado is eliminated, and Arizona State faces Iowa State.

What About the Second-Place Teams?

Five teams—Texas Tech, Baylor, TCU, West Virginia, and Kansas State—are tied for second place at 5-3 in the conference standings. For any of these teams to advance, they would need a win and for at least three of the current first-place teams to lose.

While the road is steep, Colorado’s playoff hopes are alive, hinging on both their performance and favorable outcomes in other games. Deion Sanders and his team will need a combination of determination and luck to make it to Arlington.