The concept of “perfect” or “trash” has become more and more prevalent in our culture, especially in the way we consume entertainment. This binary vision has seeped into movies, television, music and sports, pushing audiences to see results as either monumental successes or complete failures with little room for nuance. In sports, in particular, it has become susceptible to this mentality, where fans and analysts often label teams as either champions or unworthy contenders. This perspective overlooks the complexities of growth and development in sport. No team or player stays the same throughout their journey, and progression is a critical part of their story. A team like Colorado, for example, has undergone significant changes in recent years, and the expectation that they would instantly dominate under Coach Prime was unrealistic.

This “winner vs. loser” mentality creates additional challenges across the board. The problem is compounded by the term “hater,” a word that is now commonly used to dismiss opposing views without consideration. Originally, “hater” implied someone driven by irrational jealousy or negativity toward a person or organization. But in today’s discourse, the term has become a catchall for any disagreement or criticism. This misapplication is especially evident in sports conversations, where fans are quick to label any dissenting opinion as “hate” rather than engage in thoughtful discussion. This tendency is especially noticeable among Colorado Buffaloes fans, who often use the term to counter criticism, even when that criticism might be based on fair assessment rather than envy or malice.

Conversations have become increasingly polarized due to the misuse of the term “hater”. Take, for example, a hypothetical debate between Colorado and Miami fans over the Heisman Trophy. A Miami fan might root for Cam Ward, while a Colorado fan might root for Travis Hunter. In this scenario, it’s easy for one fan to accuse the other of being a “hater,” despite both players having legitimate claims to the award. The problem here is not deep-seated jealousy, but rather an inability to accept different points of view. The term thus evolved into a lazy response to disagreement, a way for individuals to defend their position without providing a compelling argument.

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In Colorado’s case, its frequent use by fans and the media has created a distorted view of public opinion. There is an assumption that a large number of people are against Colorado and Coach Prime, when in reality only a small percentage of fans have any real animosity towards the team. Social media and cable television amplify these voices, giving the impression that negative views are more widespread than they really are. This phenomenon is not unique to Colorado; it is a common effect of the media’s focus on sensationalism to stimulate audiences. The major networks are concerned with ratings and engagement, and therefore often highlight polarizing opinions to capture attention. This creates an illusion of widespread negativity, even though most fans simply support their own teams.

If we were to break down the college football fan base into a pie chart, most fans would fall into three categories: those who actively support Colorado, those who support other teams, and a small minority who really don’t like it Colorado or Coach Prime. The idea that Colorado faces overwhelming opposition is largely a product of media and social media narratives. Many fans prioritize their teams and conferences rather than actively rooting against Colorado. A fan of an SEC team is more likely to root for their own team than any other, including Colorado. This preference does not make him a “hater”; it simply reflects their loyalty.

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The term thus serves as a convenient but misguided defense mechanism for fans who feel unable to sway others to their point of view. In sports media, certain personalities are known for their strong opinions, sometimes resisting new perspectives or being slow to admit they were wrong. National analysts like Skip Bayless and Colin Cowherd have built their careers on bold, often controversial ideas, some of which they stubbornly defend even when the evidence suggests otherwise. This approach, while sometimes frustrating for fans, is part of what makes sports media dynamic. Analysts have their biases, but those biases don’t represent the entire fan base. The views of individual commentators should not be confused with widespread opposition.

Colorado and Coach Prime have become a lightning rod for attention in the sports world, largely due to their unique style and approach. Sanders brought a level of attention to Colorado that few could have anticipated, and with that attention comes scrutiny. During the team’s first season under Sanders, fans and analysts alike questioned whether Colorado could compete at a high level. This skepticism was not necessarily based on hatred, but rather an understanding that building a competitive team takes time. However, as Colorado began winning games, many of those initial skeptics changed their tune, recognizing the progress Sanders and his team had made.

Wins, as they say, silence the critics, and Colorado’s wins did just that. The skepticism that once surrounded the team has gradually faded away, replaced by a growing appreciation for what Sanders and his players have accomplished. The few remaining critics are now exceptionalists, and voices in support of Colorado have grown much louder. A quick look at the sports media shows that many analysts who were initially skeptical have now come around praising Colorado for their resilience and determination. Other figures like Joel Klatt, Josh Pate and even Greg McElroy have shifted to a more favorable view of the team, recognizing the legitimacy of Colorado’s progress.

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However, despite the dwindling number of detractors, the narrative of having “haters” persists in the Colorado fan base and even among some players and coaches. This mindset, while initially useful as a source of motivation, has now become a limiting factor. The constant focus on proving the “haters” wrong distracts from the team’s actual accomplishments and the respect they have earned. Winning is the ultimate answer to criticism, and Colorado proved it on the field. Continuing to focus on perceived detractors only serves to perpetuate a divisive mindset rather than accepting the recognition that comes with success.

It’s time for Colorado to move past the “hater” narrative and embrace its position as a respected contender in college football. The voices of opposition have largely disappeared, replaced by admiration for the team’s achievements. When Colorado defeated Texas Tech in a decisive victory, they proved they were among the top contenders. They don’t have to worry about naysayers anymore because their performance speaks for itself. In the world of sports, wins are the ultimate antidote, and Colorado’s record is proof of their growth and potential.

The reality is that Colorado’s “hater problem” is largely a self-imposed narrative. By focusing on the detractors, they risk overlooking the support and admiration they have earned. It’s a common phenomenon in sports to see teams use the “us against the world” mentality as motivation, but at some point, that mentality can become counterproductive. Colorado has already won over many of its initial skeptics, and continuing to focus on a small number of detractors only diminishes their accomplishments.

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Ultimately, the Colorado buffalo don’t have a hate problem – they have a perception problem. The “haters” narrative has served its purpose as a rallying cry, but it’s time to put it behind us. Coach Prime and his players have proven themselves on the field and no longer need to define their success by the opinions of a vocal minority. The true measure of their success is in their track record, resilience and ability to overcome challenges. By focusing on their growth and accomplishments rather than their perceived weaknesses, Colorado can continue to build on their success and establish themselves as a formidable presence in college football.

As they look forward to future games and potential championships, the Buffaloes have an opportunity to cement their legacy without relying on the “hater’s” narrative. They have earned their place among college football’s elite and no longer need to seek validation from critics. The best answer to any remaining doubters is to keep winning, keep getting better and let their performance speak for itself. Colorado’s journey under Coach Prime is just beginning, and by focusing on their own path, they can rise above the noise and continue to make history.