With Deion Sanders at the helm, Colorado has become a captivating force in college football, drawing attention not just for its performance but for the sheer entertainment value it brings to the game. The Pro Football Hall of Famer has been instrumental in revitalizing the Buffaloes’ fortunes, making them a topic of conversation across the nation.
High Hopes and a Rocky Start
Sanders took over the program in December 2022, inheriting a team that had just recorded a dismal 1-11 season, tying for the worst record in its history during a 12-game schedule. Expectations were high for Coach Prime’s first year, especially after the Buffaloes climbed as high as No. 18 in the Associated Press poll. However, the season ended in disappointment with a 4-8 record, marked by five consecutive losses in the Pac-12.
This season, the Buffaloes entered with renewed optimism. With star players like two-way standout Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders returning, the team aimed for a successful campaign. Colorado also rejoined the Big 12, a move that seemed to open up pathways to the College Football Playoff, especially in a conference that appeared wide open for competition.
Missed Opportunities and the Road to the Alamo Bowl
Despite the high aspirations, the Buffaloes ultimately found themselves in the Alamo Bowl. What went wrong on their journey? Several pivotal moments shaped their season, leaving fans wondering about the “what ifs.”
1) The Kansas State Heartbreaker
One of the most significant setbacks came during a thrilling clash against Kansas State. The Buffaloes, riding a three-game winning streak, faced off against the Wildcats with NBA legends Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant cheering them on from the sidelines. Unfortunately, the night ended in heartbreak as Colorado fell 31-28.
Travis Hunter, a key player for the Buffaloes, exited the game early due to a shoulder injury. However, the team rallied to erase a 21-7 deficit, demonstrating resilience. But with just over two minutes left, Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson connected with Jayce Brown for a stunning 50-yard touchdown, sealing the game for Kansas State. Coach Sanders reflected on the loss, stating, “Sometimes you lose, you say, ‘Dang, we should’ve won that. We should’ve had that.’ That was one of those types of games.”
2) Struggles Against Nebraska
Another critical moment came when Colorado faced off against old rival Nebraska. After a promising start to the season, including a victory over North Dakota State, the Buffaloes were brought back down to earth with a resounding 28-10 defeat.
The Cornhuskers dominated the game, sacking Shedeur Sanders five times and keeping the Buffaloes’ offense in check. Nebraska’s defensive lineman Ty Robinson stated, “That’s how we wanted to come out. Dominance. We wanted them to feel us.” The Buffaloes struggled to gain momentum, finishing the game with a meager 260 total yards and failing to score until late in the contest.
3) The Kansas Collapse
Perhaps the most devastating moment of the season came against Kansas. Entering the game ranked No. 16 in the College Football Playoff standings, the Buffaloes were in a position to control their destiny. However, they fell short in a 37-21 loss at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Colorado’s defense faltered, allowing Kansas to dominate possession for over 40 minutes and rack up 520 yards of offense. Sanders lamented the missed opportunity, saying, “We controlled our own destiny. And we fumbled it.” The defeat meant that the Buffaloes not only lost their chance at a Big 12 title but also needed to rely on other teams for help to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The Future Looks Bright
Despite the ups and downs of the season, the future remains promising for the Buffaloes. With Coach Sanders leading the charge and a talented roster, there’s a palpable sense of excitement surrounding the program. The return of key players like Hunter and Shedeur Sanders provides a solid foundation for the next campaign.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the Buffaloes will build on this season’s experiences. Will they learn from their setbacks and emerge stronger? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: with Deion Sanders at the helm, Colorado football is back in the spotlight, and the journey is far from over.
As the Buffaloes prepare for the next season, the anticipation continues to grow. Will they capitalize on their potential and finally reach the College Football Playoff? The college football world will be watching closely, ready to witness the next chapter in Colorado’s resurgence.
