I think you're partially right in that game, because nobody took Colorado seriously back then. But every year senior night screws with the team. I asked a former player about it after that Colorado game, and he hated it. It throws off the whole pre-game routine, you feel like you're celebrating before taking the field, and everyone is emotional about it being their last game. He said he understood you have to honor the seniors (he was one that night), but still hated the effect.