Broncos Give Colorado Counsel of Experience

The Broncos, who have some idea of what it feels like to lose a championship football game, are offering some advice to the University of Colorado Buffaloes, who Monday lost the Orange Bowl and their claim to the national college football title.

“Keep your heads up,” said Broncos running back Steve Sewell. And tight end Orson Mobley said the Buffs should “keep a winning attitude. Set your goals a little higher and try to achieve them.”

The Buffs were ranked No. 1 in the nation before Monday night’s 21-6 loss to Notre Dame. They finished the season ranked No. 4 in the nation; Notre Dame finished No. 2.

The game could have handed the Buffs, 11-0 and the only undefeated major college team going into the game, their first-ever national championship.

The Broncos lost consecutive Super Bowls in 1987 and 1988, and the NFL team players and coaches said they saw a little of themselves in the Buffs’ game Monday.

“It looked like a couple of games we had played,” Broncos Coach Dan Reeves said. “You have a chance to do something in the first half, then you don’t take advantage of opportunities and it comes back to hurt you.”

Mobley recalled missing some chances and regretting it.

“It reminded me a little of our game against the (New York) Giants. The first half belonged to us, but we missed some key scoring opportunities,” he said.

Sewell said he also knows what it is like. “It’s a big letdown. But the younger guys have a chance to come back. Now they know what it’s like to win, and that should give them some incentive,” he said.

The Broncos agreed that the Buffs easily could be in a national title game again next year if they do not let Monday’s loss affect them too much.

And that is not likely to happen, the Broncos agreed.

‘They showed a lot of heart and a lot of class. That stands tall when all is said and done,” said Broncos quarterback Gary Kubiak.