Colorado playoff chances: How likely is Deion Sanders' Buffs to make 12-team CFP?

As the College Football Playoff hunt continues, how likely are Deion Sanders's Colorado Buffaloes to make an appearance? Well, Coach Prime's squad is still something of a long shot, but their odds have gradually improved over the last few weeks.

Here's a rundown on where the 17th-ranked Buffs stand and what they need to do to reach the playoff.

Colorado Playoff Chances

Colorado Buffaloes's most likely path to the College Football Playoff goes through No. 6 BYU. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

The Buffs' Resume

Colorado sits at 7-2 and 5-1 in Big 12 conference play. The Buffs's only losses came in Week 2 - a disappointing 10-28 Nebraska defeat and a 28-31 Kansas State home loss on Oct. 12. But the K-State game is the only matchup they lost to a team currently in the top 25 of the AP poll.

At 5-1, the Buffs are second in the Big 12 and will likely earn a spot in the league's title game. BYU is the only unbeaten team, while a bevy of teams - including Kansas State and Iowa State - have two losses in league play behind Coach Prime's team.

The Big 12 in the Playoff

The biggest concern for Deion Sanders and Co. is that the Big 12 looks like it will be a one-bid playoff league. BYU is currently No. 6 overall and would take the league's bid if it holds on and wins the league crown. The next ranked contender from the Big 12 in the mix is Kansas State, at 7-2 and 16th in the CFP rankings. The Buffs come in a spot behind the Wildcats.

But a two-loss Big 12 team can reach the playoffs only by upsetting BYU for the conference crown. This is where Colorado's advantage does take over. Kansas State and Iowa State could only make the Big 12 title game if the Buffs lost another league game. Without the title game, those teams don't have a realistic chance to overtake BYU and steal the bid.

Buffaloes's path

All of this makes Colorado's playoff path pretty clear. First, the Buffs can't lose another regular season game. Utah is beaten up and has underachieved. Kansas has had an awful season but is looking more competitive as the year goes on, and Oklahoma State has already locked up a losing season.

After winning out, Deion Sanders's men must take down BYU for the league title. There is a possible path with an impressive loss to a 13-0 BYU team, but if the Buffaloes want to be sure, the only certain path is through BYU. The good news is this BYU team isn't imposing — they've been more lucky than good.

This leads to conclusions that give Colorado a 15-20% shot at a playoff bid. It's a tough road, but the Buffs still have a chance in mid-November.

What do you think of the Buffs's playoff situation? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!