It's prime time again in Colorado, but will the Buffaloes' sequel under Deion Sanders prove better than the original? Colorado has rebuilt its roster again under Sanders, adding 42 transfers to offset 41 departures in the portal. It's not quite the overhaul of 2023, when the Buffs added 52 players, but it's close enough — and it's the biggest turnover in the FBS for the second year in a row.
Colorado started off hot 3-0 and climbed into the AP Top 25 last year, but the Buffs melted under the spotlight, finishing the season 1-8 as the offense sputtered despite having superstar Shedeur Sanders at quarterback. Sanders replaced offensive coordinator Sean Lewis, now the coach at San Diego State, midseason and hired Robert Livingston late in the year to coordinate the defense. More importantly, the second-year coach focused heavily on building a bigger and stronger roster in the trenches after being pushed around last season.
This year’s season opener may not have the glitz and glamour of last year’s duel with 2022 national runner-up TCU, but State of North Dakota is an FCS heavyweight that can challenge Colorado in Boulder. NDSU has won nine national titles since 2011 and has defeated six of its last seven FBS opponents.
“They're good,” Sanders said at Big 12 Media Days in July. “They're really damn good. And I'm mad at (athletic director) Rick (George) right now for putting them on the schedule to talk to them. Like, can you give me a layup or something? Those guys are wonderful. Their team has always been one of the best. A lot of guys have moved up from that team to higher leagues. Those guys play their asses off. They play hard. They don't make a lot of mistakes.”
Colorado vs. North Dakota State: What you need to know
Colorado is better up front: The Buffs were abysmal in the trenches last season, finishing last in the FBS in sacks allowed (52) and rushing (68.9 yards per game). The defensive line didn't fare much better, and their lack of pressure up front didn't help one of the worst pass defenses in the country on defense.
Eight of 10 offensive linemen from last year's roster are gone. In their place are a handful of starters from other Power Four programs and the best high school offensive lineman in the country, Jordan Seaton. The defense was restructured under new coordinator Robert Livingston, adding four Power Four starters to the line, including Pittsburgh's Dayon Hayes and Samuel Okunlola. The Buffs should be significantly better on the offensive and defensive line, which should help the talented Shedeur Sanders accomplish even more after some great passing performances last season. On the other side of the ball, star cornerback Travis Hunter should benefit from more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
This is not a typical NDSU: NDSU is an elite FCS program, but it's also a team in transition. Head coach Matt Entz left in December to become USC's linebackers coach, paving the way for Wyoming offensive coordinator Tim Polasek. NDSU lost four games and ended its 2023 season in the FCS semifinals. Although Shedeur Sanders will be in the spotlight Thursday, Bison signal caller Cam Miller is equally impressive. Last season, he threw 32 touchdowns to just four interceptions.
The duel you should keep an eye on: The Bisons' running attack could be the deciding factor against Colorado's new-look defense. NDSU averaged 237.5 yards per game last season and had the third-best offense in the FCS (38.1 points per game), but the Bisons lose their starting running back and three offensive linemen from last season.
How to watch Colorado vs North Dakota State live
Date: Thursday, August 29 | Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Folsom Field – Boulder, Colorado
TV: ESPN | Live stream: fubo (try for free)
Colorado vs. North Dakota State Prediction, Tip
Expectations outside Colorado have cooled, but excitement is still high in Boulder. Deion Sanders wants a more balanced offense after most of the pressure to perform was on his son, Shedeur, who should be throwing the ball in 2023. NDSU is a great first test for the revamped offense, especially on the ground. Although North Dakota State has experience and plenty of elite FCS talent, the Buffaloes have proven Power Four starters at every position on the field, unlike last season. This is an improved Colorado team and the Buffs will prove it. Selection: Colorado -9.5
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