Introduction: Colorado vs North

Colorado opens the second season of the
Prime Time era with a matchup against an
FCS powerhouse. It’s prime time again in Colorado,

but will Buffalo’s Deion Sanders-led streak
be better than the original? Colorado rebuilt
its roster under Sanders, with 42 transfers to

offset Portal’s 41 departures. That’s not quite
a replacement for 2023, when the Buffs
added 52 players, but it’s close enough —
and it’s the second year in a row in the FBS.

This is not your typical NDSU:

Colorado started 3-0 and finished in the AP Top 25 last year, but with superstar quarterback Shediour Sanders, the offense stagnated and the Buffs took the spotlight and went 1-8. Midway through the season, Sanders replaced offensive coordinator Sean Lewis, who is now the coach at San Diego State University, and hired Robert Livingston as defensive coordinator at the end of the year. More importantly, after being sidelined last season, the second-year coach has increasingly focused on building a bigger, stronger team in the trenches.

The match is worth watching:

The Bison’s rushing attack could be the difference against Colorado’s new defensive line. NDSU averaged 237.5 yards per game last season to lead the FCS in rushing offense (38.1 points per game), but the Bison will lose their starting running back and three offensive tackles from last season.

Colorado vs North Dakota State predictions and tips

While expectations have waned outside of Colorado, excitement is still high in Boulder. Deion Sanders wants a more balanced offense because most of the pressure will be on his son Shidor, who will be throwing the ball in 2023. NDSU will be a great first test for the revamped offense, especially on the ground. North Dakota State has plenty of experience and elite talent in the FCS, but unlike last season, the Buffaloes are a Power 4 starter at every position on the field. This is an improved Colorado team and the Buffs will prove it.