One Oklahoma debacle shy of being undefeated, the Longhorns visited. Boulder flaunting their weapons – namely quarterback Vince Young and tailback Cedric Benson. Even the live Buffalo that leads Colorado onto the field appeared intimidated by the strong Texas contingent and their all cowboy band playing “Texas Fight” on repeat. On yet another gorgeous day at Folsom Field with the autumn foliage outlining the Rocky Mountains, a raucous, yet wary crowd gathered to see if the Buffaloes had what it took to lasso the Longhorns.
Hope was delivered by an errant Vince Young pass that Colorado picked off and returned thirty-seven yards for a loud opening remark. The Buffaloes led 7-0 and had electricity sparking “shoulder to shoulder” throughout the stadium. However, Texas thumbed through the playbook under “Just Let Vince and Cedric run it.” Young’s exquisite elusiveness bedazzled the defense and moved Texas forward. Along with his sidekick, Cedric Benson, the duo turned the field into a yardage-gaining factory. Both Young and Benson recorded two rushing touchdowns and took over the game. The disgruntled crowd began to find the exits early. One fan took his aggression out in an alternate fashion. Stripping nude and bolting over to the Texas sideline, this “BUFF”alo fan shook his naked fanny directly at the Longhorns. Texas remained undaunted by the duff and forged ahead to a convincing 31-7 victory.
Despite the loss, Colorado would accumulate a few wins in November and back into the Big 12 title game. Texas, haunted by the Oklahoma loss, would not reach the championship. Oklahoma destroyed Colorado to win the Big 12, but both the Longhorns and Buffaloes would finish their seasons on high platforms. Vince Young became the Rose Bowl MVP with their thrilling victory over Michigan in Pasadena, while Colorado earned their first bowl win in five years with a defeat of UTEP in the Houston Bowl.
