Colorado and Nebraska: Top 10 games in the "Red Letter" rivalry

Long before Deion Sanders and Matt Rhule, whenever the Cornhuskers and Buffaloes did battle, it was always personal

This Saturday marks the 72nd meeting between Colorado and Nebraska. 

The Buffaloes have dominated the series, as of late, winning the last two matchups by a combined eight points. Nebraska hasn’t defeated Colorado since early in the first term of the Obama administration.

Will this drought continue? Well, all indications seem to point that way, but that’s why the game is played. And this, without question, is the most-anticipated matchup of this series in decades.

Let’s look back on some of the greatest games and performances between Colorado and Nebraska.

10. (tie) 1952: CU 16, Nebraska 16 and 1991: CU 19, Nebraska 19

How do break a tie between two ties and still tie it back together for an article? You don’t. These were a couple a classics that deserve recognition.

In 1952, Carroll Hardy electrified the Folsom Field, gathering with 86 yard kickoff return. 

Carroll Hardy

Hardy, a two-sport star, who played in both the NFL and Major League Baseball, and would later serve as an executive in the Denver Broncos organization. He passed away in 2020.

It was a frigid early November showdown in 1991. Right before halftime, Nebraska found themselves as extra point away from tying up the game at 10 but the attempt was blocked. Buffs tackle Jeff Brunner got a hand on it and Greg Biekert scooped it up and ran it 85 yards for the other way for two points.

In the second half, Darian Hagan and Colorado couldn’t get much going and Nebraska had all the momentum down the stretch.

With the score tied at 19, the Cornhuskers lined up for a game winning 41 yard field goal. Buffs Coach, Bill McCartney iced the kicker not once, not twice, but three straight times by calling timeouts. This, of course, is no longer allowed. But, in 1991 it worked! Greg Thomas blocked the kick and the game ended in a tie.

9. 1904: CU 6, Nebraska 0

Who can forget this one? Colorado, who didn’t even go by the Buffaloes yet, just Silver and Gold, bounced back from two straight shutout losses to earn their first ever win over the Cornhuskers.

This was just the fourth meeting of the rivalry. Head Coach Dave Cropp, who took over the reigns from Fred Folsom, was in his second and final year in charge of Colorado. Folsom, had three stints as coach and taught law at the university. The football stadium was named after him in 1944. 

8. 2007: CU 65, Nebraska 51

The highest-scoring matchup in the series history. Over 1,100 combined yards. Three second half turnovers sunk the Huskers, who had a 35-24 lead at the break.

Cody Hawkins threw two touchdowns and ran for another as the Buffs rolled off 34 straight points to put game out of reach.

7. 2019: CU 34, Nebraska 31 

The Buffs win an overtime thriller in Lincoln. Nebraska led 17-7 going into the 4th quarter. After a beautiful punt was downed at the Buffs four yard line, Steven Montez found K.D. Nixon for a 96-yard touchdown to get Colorado back in the game.

Montez would later connect with Tony Brown for the game-tying touchdown with just :46 left in the game.

Ron Chenoy, USA Today

After Nebraska missed on their field goal attempt, James Stefanou split the uprights from 34 yards out to seal the victory.

6. 2001: CU 62, Nebraska 36

The unforgettable win over the second-ranked Huskers in Boulder. Nebraska was absolutely steamrolled early and often. 

Chris Brown rushed for 198 yards and a school record six touchdowns. He was inducted into Colorado’s Hall of Fame in 2021.

5. 1967: CU 21, Nebraska 16

Two interceptions returned for scores proved to be the difference. The first was by Dick Anderson who, during his return, lateraled to Mike Veeder for the final 45 yards to the end zone.

Dick Anderson laterals to Mike Veeder

Later, Jeff Raymond intercepted Frank Patrick and returned it 76 yards for a touchdown. Patrick had four picks on the day in a losing effort.

4. 2004: CU 26, Nebraska 20

Quarterback Joel Klatt got the scoring underway finding Blake Mackey for the early touchdown reception. 

Joel Klatt

This was a frustrating day for both offenses. After jumping out to a 26-7 lead, the Buffaloes had to hold on and the defense rose to the occasion. Four key interceptions were enough to secure the victory.

3. 1990: CU 27, Nebraska 12

This was just an all out crazy game. Eric Bieniemy finished with 138 yards. He also had four fumbles. But, he redeemed himself by scoring four fourth quarter touchdowns.

Trailing 12-0 going into the 4th quarter, Colorado dug deep and finally got the offense rolling. It was a critical win that ultimately helped in securing the Big 8 Championship, Orange Bowl berth, and the National Championship.

2. 1989: CU 27, Nebraska 21

“Quite simply, there has never been a bigger game in Colorado’s 100-year history than this game today.” Those were the words of CBS announcer Jim Nantz on the Buffs magnificent win. While we mostly agree, we do think there was another game just slightly more important. That said, this was a remarkable victory and definitely helped push the team to new heights the next season during their championship run.

Colorado couldn’t get anything going through the air the whole game. Darian Hagan was limited to 22 yards passing. He did rush for 86 yards and a score. J.J. Flannigan had scoring runs of 70 and 2 yards. 

In the end, Nebraska nearly doubled the offensive output of Colorado but, the Buffaloes prevailed on the scoreboard 27-21.

1. 1986: CU 20, Nebraska 10

One of the greatest plays in Buffs/Cornhuskers history occurred early in the fourth quarter. Wingback O.C. Oliver took the pitch out to the right side from quarterback Mark Hatcher. Oliver looked up and fired it downfield to Lance Carl for a 52 yards and the game winner.

Today, Carl serves as CU's director of alumni relations and player development. 

The Buffs were 2-4 entering the game. And managed to get to 6-5 and secure a bowl appearance. This was year five for Bill McCartney and if the game had ended differently, it could have easily changed the course of Colorado football.

We will see what happens on Saturday and whether we can add another classic to this list.