1990 Colorado Buffaloes football team

The 1990 Colorado Buffaloes football team represented the University of Colorado at Boulder in the 1990 NCAA Division I-A football season. The Buffaloes offense scored 338 points while the defense allowed 160 points. Led by head coach Bill McCartney, Colorado competed against Notre Dame in the 1991 Orange Bowl. The Buffaloes defeated the Fighting Irish 10-9 and at season’s end were awarded the AP national championship.

Fifth Down Game
The Fifth Down Game is the name of a college football game that included a play that the crew officiating the game permitted to occur in error. The fifth down play - in which Colorado was actually stopped short of the goal line - enabled the Buffaloes to defeat the Missouri Tigers by scoring a touchdown on the last play of their game on October 6, 1990. The ensuing controversy cast doubt on Colorado's claim to Division I-A's 1990 national championship. It has been called one of the top memorable moments and blunders in college football history. The bowl victory over Notre Dame was similarly memorable as a Greg Davis clip on a punt return denied a late touchdown by Notre Dame's Rocket Ismail.

Coaching staff
Head Coach: Bill McCartney

Assistants: Gary Barnett (QB/FB), Mike Barry (OL), Brian Cabral (ILB), Gerry DiNardo (OC/TE), Don Frease (WR), Mike Hankwitz (DC/DB), Oliver Lucas (RB), Bob Simmons (OLB), Ron Vanderlinden (DL).

Awards and honors

 * Alfred Williams, Butkus Award