Despite a less-than-ideal finish to the season with a 36-14 loss to Big 12 rival BYU in the Alamo Bowl, Year 2 under Deion Sanders has been a remarkable journey for Colorado football. The Buffaloes, under the leadership of Coach Prime, have transformed their fortunes, showcasing resilience and growth that fans can rally behind.
Colorado Buffaloes make history
This season, the Buffaloes achieved a stunning 9-4 record, more than doubling last year’s four-win total. This impressive turnaround not only highlights the team’s potential but also marks the program’s first bowl appearance since 2020. What a comeback! Fans are buzzing with excitement, and the energy surrounding the program is palpable.
Travis Hunter shines bright
Among the standout players, two-way superstar Travis Hunter has made headlines by claiming Colorado’s second-ever Heisman Trophy win, alongside a slew of other individual accolades. His performances have captivated audiences and showcased the talent that Coach Prime has brought to Boulder.
Coaching staff’s impact on success
While Hunter and Sanders have received much of the spotlight, it’s important to recognize the contributions of the coaching staff. Following the bowl game, Sanders took a moment to commend the efforts of his offensive and defensive coordinators, Pat Shurmur and Robert Livingston. “They did a wonderful job. I’m proud of them. I love them,” Sanders expressed, emphasizing their ability to connect with the players and create an environment for success.
“Not just those two, the whole staff. I’m pretty sure a couple of them are going to come in my office about elevation because people are going to want them on their staffs, and that’s what we’re here for. We’re here to advance people,” he added, highlighting the collaborative spirit that defines this coaching staff.
Offensive and defensive improvements
Let’s dive into the numbers! Under Shurmur’s guidance as play-caller, Colorado’s offense saw a steady improvement from 2023 to 2024. The team enjoyed a 20-yard increase in total offense, going from 363.6 to 383.2 yards per game. Scoring also saw a boost, with an uptick from 28.2 to 32.9 points per game. These improvements reflect a well-executed game plan and the players’ hard work.
On the defensive side, Livingston’s first season brought significant progress as well. The Buffaloes experienced an impressive 11.7 points-per-game drop in scoring defense, alongside a 101.4 yards-per-game improvement in total defense. After ranking as the Pac-12’s second-worst defense in 2023, Colorado turned things around, finishing in the Top 6 in the Big 12 for scoring defense (23.1 points per game) and eighth in total defense (351.9 yards per game). What a turnaround!
Lessons learned from the season
Following the Alamo Bowl, Sanders reflected on his journey with Colorado. He shared valuable insights gained from the challenges faced during his first two seasons. “Patience,” he stated. “They’ve taught me a tremendous amount of patience, and they taught me about forgiveness.” His words resonate deeply, illustrating the personal growth that has accompanied the team’s progress.
Over the past two seasons, Colorado has recorded a 13-12 record. Each year has seen the Buffaloes win more games than the previous one, a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire program. After taking over a team that finished 1-11, Sanders utilized the Transfer Portal effectively, flipping the roster and leading the team to four wins in 2023 and nine wins in 2024. The trajectory is clear, and the future looks bright!
The road ahead for Colorado
As the Buffaloes look forward to the next season, the excitement is building. With a talented roster, a dedicated coaching staff, and a passionate fanbase, Colorado is poised to make even more strides in the coming years. Will they continue to rise in the rankings? Can they build on this successful season and challenge for conference titles? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Buffaloes are on the right path, and the college football world will be watching closely.
Dan Morrison contributed to this report.
