A few weeks ago ESPN Big XII blogger David Ubben did his best case/worse case series for each Big XII team. I did not like his analysis of the Buffs so I decided to make my own best case/worse case analysis. I've broken down CU's schedule, dividing the season into four, three game segments. Enjoy.

Colorado State
@Cal
Hawaii

Best Case: 2-1
Worse Case: 1-2
My Prediction: 2-1

It's no doubt the CSU game is THE MUST WIN of the season. I don't think CU will overlook this game again this year. Cal is a big away game with future Pac-12 implications; CU will put up a fight. However, I feel Hawaii could be a pitfall game with back to back big games and Georgia up next. Give me a win over CSU, and one more win between Cal/Hawaii in this three game set.

Georgia
@Missouri
Baylor

Best Case: 4-2 (1-1 Conference)
Worse Case: 2-4 (1-1 Conference)
My Prediction: 3-3 (1-1 Conference)

I've always had a good feeling about the Georgia game. CU will be honoring the 1990 National Championship team and Hawk has had some success in getting his team ready for big games (if only Toledo would have been in the Top #25...). The Missouri game is another big road game. I don't know about you, but I am sick of losing to Missouri. It seems like no matter what sport we are talking about, we are getting killed by the same middle-of-the-road Tiger team. I want this game so bad...but a trip to Columbia will be difficult. Baylor will be bloodbath because of all the conference expansion drama. All of these games will be exciting but I count on only one win against Baylor. HOWEVER, with a few turnovers and a little 1990 Championship magic, Buffs send UGA home with his tail between his legs (can't wait to see UGA-just throwing that out there).

Texas Tech
@Oklahoma
@Kansas

Best Case: 5-4 (2-3 Conference)
Worse Case: 3-6 (2-3 Conference)
My Prediction: 4-5 (2-3 Conference)

Interesting three game set featuring two new coaches, and an abundance of talent. It's a long trip for the Red Raiders, but Texas Tech will always be tough. Road trips to Norman and Lawrence will be extremely difficult, especially with revenge on the mind of the Sooners ('07) and Kansas ('09). Buffs sneak out a win somewhere; this very well could be the hardest stretch of the season.

Iowa State
Kansas State
@Nebraska

Best Case: 7-5 (4-4 Conference) Bowl Game...Perhaps 8 wins...
Worse Case: 4-8 (3-5 Conference)...(I cringed when I figured that)
My Prediction: 6-6 (4-4 Conference) Bowl Game...Perhaps 7 wins...

After a tough road trip it will be nice to come home. CU and Hawkins's career will need a win at this point in the season; the Buffs will be ready and will beat Iowa State. Then comes K-State and Nebraska...with emotions running high with Senior Day against K-State and a final trip to Lincoln...give me one win between these two games.

If CU defeats the teams they SHOULD beat, they stay competitive in the more difficult games, and win a bowl game, I could live with prediction of 7-6. It's certainly not a finishing record I would like year-in and year-out, but I could at least be proud of how far we had come. However, if CU struggles with lopsided losses, a bowl loss and normal Hawk-antics, a 6-7 record will look very different in my eyes.

Bottom line is:
Winning is a cure-all. GLORY GLORY COLORADO