Colorado vs. North Dakota State: Deion Sanders Looks to Prove “Prime Time” is Back

Colorado vs. North Dakota State

Rebuilding and Retooling Under Sanders

Deion Sanders is leading the Colorado Buffaloes into a new season with hopes that this year’s performance will outshine last year’s. Colorado has once again overhauled its roster, adding 42 new transfers while seeing 41 players exit through the portal. This marks the second consecutive year with the most roster turnover in the FBS, following the addition of 52 new players in 2023.

Last season, Colorado started strong with a 3-0 record and entered the AP Top 25, but the momentum didn’t last. The Buffaloes struggled in the latter part of the season, finishing 1-8 as their offense faltered despite having standout quarterback Shedeur Sanders. In response, Deion Sanders made significant changes, replacing offensive coordinator Sean Lewis with Robert Livingston to manage the defense and focusing on strengthening the team’s presence in the trenches after being outmuscled last year.

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A New Challenge in North Dakota State

Colorado’s season opener this year may lack the high-profile matchup of last year’s game against 2022 national runner-up TCU, but it still presents a significant challenge. The Buffaloes will face North Dakota State, an FCS powerhouse with nine national titles since 2011 and victories in six of their last seven games against FBS opponents.

At Big 12 Media Days in July, Sanders expressed respect for North Dakota State, stating, “They’re good. They’re really darn good. And I’m mad at [athletic director] Rick [George] right now for putting them on the schedule. Those guys are wonderful… They play tough. They don’t make many mistakes.”

Game Details: How to Watch Live

• Date: Thursday, Aug. 29
• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Location: Folsom Field, Boulder, Colorado
• TV: ESPN
• Live Stream: Available on Facebook (Try for free)

Key Points to Know: Colorado vs. North Dakota State

Improved Strength in the Trenches for Colorado: Last season, Colorado’s offensive and defensive lines struggled significantly, with the team ranking last in the FBS in sacks allowed and rushing yards per game. This year, however, the Buffaloes have revamped their lineup, bringing in new starters from other Power Four programs and top recruits like Jordan Seaton, the nation’s No. 1 high school offensive lineman. The defensive line also sees new talent under coordinator Robert Livingston, including players like Dayon Hayes and Samuel Okunlola. These improvements aim to provide better protection for Shedeur Sanders and increase pressure on opposing quarterbacks, benefiting the defense and standout cornerback Travis Hunter.

North Dakota State’s Transition Phase: While NDSU remains a formidable FCS program, they are experiencing changes as well. Head coach Matt Entz left for a position at USC, making way for Tim Polasek from Wyoming. Despite losing key players and ending last season in the FCS semifinals, the Bison remain a tough opponent with a solid quarterback, Cam Miller, who threw 32 touchdowns against just four interceptions last season.

Matchup to Watch: The effectiveness of NDSU’s rushing game against Colorado’s reinforced defensive line will be crucial. The Bison averaged 237.5 rushing yards per game last season, leading to the FCS’s third-best scoring offense. However, with the loss of their starting running back and three offensive linemen, this will be a significant test.

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Prediction and Expectations

While national expectations for Colorado have cooled, excitement remains high in Boulder. Deion Sanders aims for a more balanced offense this year, reducing the pressure on Shedeur Sanders to carry the team. With a revamped roster and proven starters at every position, Colorado is set to showcase its improvements against a talented NDSU team. The pick: Colorado -9.5.