Boulder – Consequences come with losing, and the Buffaloes were stripped of their ranking Sunday, one week after they re-entered the polls for the first time in two seasons.
Colorado was one of three teams dropped from The Associated Press poll and one of two to drop out of the USA Today coaches’ poll. The Buffs were ranked 24th before their 42-17 loss to Texas.
But the loss of a ranking isn’t as troubling as a possible loss of another starter. Cornerback Lorenzo Sims, CU’s most reliable player at that position, is questionable for Saturday’s game against Kansas because of a knee strain.
If Sims cannot play, it will likely push junior college transfer Terry Washington into a starter’s role. Washington has played on defense, mainly in nickel and dime situations, and special teams as a kick returner.
Sims is scheduled to be re-evaluated today or Tuesday.
CU players and coaches will fight to put their worst loss of the season behind them. The Buffs begin a six-week stretch that will determine whether they will head to their fourth Big 12 championship game in five years.
“None of the guys are putting their heads down. They are looking forward to Kansas,” linebacker Jordon Dizon said.
Air Force
Saturday’s victory over Nevada-Las Vegas has provided new challenges for Falcons players.
Before snapping a four-game losing streak, the Air Force seemed without direction. Goals of a Mountain West Conference championship and regaining the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy in their battles with Army and Navy are out of reach.
“There’s always something to play for,” receiver Jason Brown said.
Now, the Falcons are looking at Saturday’s 1 p.m. game against TCU at Falcon Stadium. The Horned Frogs lead the conference at 4-0 and are 6-1 after beating Army 38-17 in a nonconference game in Fort Worth.
Chris Dempsey can be reached at 303-820-5455 or cdempsey@denverpost.com.
Staff writer Irv Moss contributed to this report.
