The concept of “perfect” or “trash” has become increasingly prevalent in our culture, particularly in the way we consume entertainment. This binary view has seeped into movies, television, music and sports, pushing audiences to view outcomes as either monumental successes or complete failures, with little room for nuance. Sports, in particular, have become susceptible to this mentality, where fans and analysts often label teams as champions or unworthy contenders. This perspective overlooks the complexities of growth and development in sport. No team or player remains the same throughout their journey, and progression is an essential part of their story. A team like Colorado, for example, has undergone significant changes over the past few years, and it was unrealistic to expect them to instantly dominate under Coach Prime.

This “winner versus loser” mentality creates additional challenges at every level. The problem is compounded by the term “hateful,” a word that is now frequently used to dismiss opposing viewpoints without consideration. Originally, “hater” referred to someone motivated by irrational jealousy or negativity toward a person or organization. But in today’s discourse, the term has turned into a catch-all for disagreement or criticism. This misuse is particularly evident in sports conversations, where fans are quick to label any dissenting opinion as “hate” rather than engaging in thoughtful discussion. This trend is especially noticeable among Colorado Buffaloes fans, who often use the term to counter criticism, even when that criticism may be based on fair assessment rather than envy or malice.

Conversations have become increasingly polarized due to the overuse of the term “hateful.” Take, for example, a hypothetical debate between Colorado and Miami fans over the Heisman Trophy. A Miami fan might defend Cam Ward, while a Colorado fan might support Travis Hunter. In this scenario, it’s easy for either fan to accuse the other of being a “hater,” even if both players have 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 has thus evolved into a lazy response to disagreement, a way for individuals to defend their position without offering a convincing argument.

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In Colorado’s case, its frequent use by fans and media has created a distorted view of public opinion. It is assumed 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, making negative opinions seem more prevalent than they actually are. This phenomenon is not unique to Colorado; this is a common effect of the media’s emphasis on sensationalism to attract audiences. Big networks care about ratings and engagement, so they often put forward polarizing opinions to capture attention. This creates the illusion of widespread negativity, even though the majority of fans are simply supporting their own team.

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

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The term therefore serves as a convenient but misguided defense mechanism for fans who feel unable to convince others of their point of view. In sports media, some figures 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 positions, 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 opinions of individual commentators should not be confused with widespread opposition.

Colorado and Coach Prime have become lightning rods for attention in the sports world, largely due to their unique style and approach. Sanders has brought a level of attention to Colorado that few could have predicted, and with that attention comes increased scrutiny. During the team’s first season under Sanders, fans and analysts 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 minds, recognizing the progress Sanders and his team had made.

Winning, as they say, silences the critics, and that’s exactly what Colorado’s victories did. The skepticism that once surrounded the team has gradually faded, replaced by a growing appreciation for what Sanders and his players have accomplished. The few remaining critics are now outliers, and the voices for Colorado have become much louder. A quick glance at the sports media shows that many analysts who were initially dubious have now come around and are praising Colorado for its resilience and determination. Other figures like Joel Klatt, Josh Pate and even Greg McElroy took a more favorable view of the team, recognizing the legitimacy of Colorado’s progress.

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Yet despite the dwindling number of detractors, the narrative that there are “haters” persists within the Colorado fan base and even among some players and coaches. This mentality, 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 has proven itself 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 is time for Colorado to move beyond “hate” speech and embrace its position as a respected competitor in college football. The voices of opposition have largely faded, replaced by admiration for the team’s accomplishments. When Colorado beat Texas Tech in a decisive victory, they proved they were one of the top contenders. They no longer need to worry about detractors because their performance speaks for itself. In the world of sports, wins are the ultimate rebuttal, and Colorado’s record is proof of its growth and potential.

The reality is that Colorado’s “hater problem” is essentially a self-imposed narrative. By attaching themselves to detractors, they risk neglecting the support and admiration they have gained. It’s a common occurrence in sports to see teams use the “us against the world” mentality as motivation, but at a certain point, this mindset can become counterproductive. Colorado has already won over many of its initial skeptics, and continuing to focus on a small number of detractors only hurts its accomplishments.

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

As they look forward to upcoming games and potential championships, the Buffaloes have an opportunity to solidify their legacy without relying on the “haters” narrative. They have earned their place among college football’s elite and no longer need to seek validation from critics. The best answer to anyone who still doubts is to keep winning, keep improving, and let your 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.