Colorado Buffaloes 2024: Can Sanders Lead to Victory?

Colorado Buffaloes are gearing up for an intriguing 2024 season with a win total set at 5.5. The over is slightly favored, suggesting that achieving six wins and bowl eligibility would represent significant progress for a team that managed only one victory under Karl Dorell in 2022. With four wins last season but a disappointing six-game losing streak to finish, the Buffaloes, now under Deion Sanders in their return to the Big 12, aim to establish a new direction.

Sanders has reconstructed the Buffaloes with high expectations, and the pressure is on from the start. The season kicks off with a high-profile matchup on Thursday, August 29th. In a standalone primetime game, Colorado faces North Dakota State, a dominant force in FCS football with four championships in the last seven years. Despite the game being in Boulder, Colorado , the Buffaloes are only favored by about 7.5 points.

This opening game is critical for the Buffaloes. A commanding win could signal a resurgence under Sanders, but a loss to the Bison could set a troubling tone for the season. The game will undoubtedly draw significant attention, partly due to the spectacle of Sanders’ second year at the helm and partly because it’s not the typical easy opener against a lesser-known opponent.

Colorado’s schedule won’t allow for any easy wins. They are expected to clinch their first game against an FCS team; however, the prowess of North Dakota State means there’s no guarantee. Last year, the Buffaloes showed potential early on with an impressive first-game win that sparked hopes of a transformative season, but subsequent close calls and a late-season collapse tempered expectations.

As Colorado prepares for their opener, the stakes are high not only for the team but also for Deion Sanders and his son, Shedeur Sanders, who plays a pivotal role. A loss in the first game would not only be a disappointment but could also lead to severe criticism of the Sanders’ leadership.

Overall, the Buffaloes’ performance in this season opener will be a barometer for their progress under Sanders. It will either affirm the direction the program is headed or raise doubts about their competitive viability in the Big 12. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely, making this one of the must-see games of the college football season.