By Darin 
Introduction
December 1, 2001, delivered one of the most shocking upsets in college football championship game history. In the Big 12 Championship held in Irving, Texas, the No. 9 Colorado Buffaloes faced the No. 3 Texas Longhorns, with UT widely expected to secure a victory and advance to the BCS National Championship Game at the Rose Bowl. But the Buffaloes had other plans. What unfolded was a chaotic defensive masterpiece engineered by Colorado, transforming a title contender’s parade into a devastating early exit. This game is a prime example of how turnovers can completely rewrite a season’s destiny.
The Turnover Tidal Wave
The first half belonged entirely to Colorado’s opportunistic defense. The Buffaloes capitalized ruthlessly on every mistake made by the Longhorns, particularly by quarterback Chris Simms. Colorado forced a stunning four turnovers in the first half alone, converting that chaos into 26 crucial points. Offensive production then flowed easily, with running back Chris Brown leading the charge, scoring three vital touchdowns that gave the Buffaloes a massive early lead. The game quickly turned into a defensive statement by Colorado, leaving the heavily favored Longhorns scrambling.
The Late Longhorn Fight
True to their ranking, the Longhorns refused to surrender quietly. After the early debacle, Texas, rallying behind backup quarterback Major Applewhite, mounted a furious late-game comeback. They battled to close the deficit, but the damage inflicted by the first-half turnovers proved too great. Despite the intensity of the rally, Colorado’s early lead was insurmountable. The Buffaloes held off the late charge, securing a thrilling 39-37 victory.
Conclusion
The 2001 Big 12 Championship remains a landmark moment in Colorado football history and a painful scar for Texas. The Buffaloes’ dominant defensive performance and timely rushing attack, led by Chris Brown, didn’t just win a conference title; it single-handedly knocked the No. 3 Longhorns out of contention for the BCS National Championship. This verified upset on December 1, 2001, illustrates the volatile nature of college football and how a focused defense can shatter even the highest national title aspirations.
Article from Dec 2, 2001 The Houston Chronicle (Houston, Texas)