It's "Prime Time" again in Colorado, but will the Buffaloes' sequel under Deion Sanders prove better than the original? Colorado rebuilt its roster again under Sanders, adding 42 transfers to counter 41 departures in the portal. It's not quite the overhaul from 2023 when the Buffs added 52 players, but it's close enough -- and it's the most turnover in the FBS for a second straight year.
Colorado started a hot 3-0 and climbed into the AP Top 25 last year, but the Buffs melted under the spotlight and finished 1-8 down the stretch as the offense sputtered despite having superstar Shedeur Sanders at quarterback. Sanders replaced offensive coordinator Sean Lewis, now the coach at San Diego State, midway through the season and hired Robert Livingston to coordinate the defense at the end of the year. More importantly, the second-year coach focused heavily on building a bigger and stronger roster in the trenches after getting pushed around last season.
The season opener this year may not have the glitz and flash of last year's matchup with 2022 national runner-up TCU, but North Dakota State is an FCS powerhouse capable of challenging Colorado in Boulder. NDSU has won nine national titles since 2011 and defeated six of its last seven FBS opponents.
"They're good," Sanders said at Big 12 Media Days in July. "They're really darned good. And I'm mad at (athletic director) Rick (George) right now for putting them on the schedule, to open up with them. Like, can you give me a layup or something? Those guys are wonderful. Their staff has always been amongst the best. Many people have matriculated from that staff to go to higher levels. Those kids play their butts off. They play tough. They don't make many mistakes."
How to watch Colorado vs. North Dakota State live
Date: Thursday, Aug. 29 | Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Folsom Field -- Boulder, Colorado
TV: ESPN | Live stream: fubo (Try for free)
Colorado vs. North Dakota State: Need to know
Colorado is better up front: The Buffs were abysmal in the trenches last season, ranking last in the FBS in sacks allowed (52) and in rushing (68.9 yards per game). The defensive line didn't fare much better, and its lack of push up front didn't help one of the worst pass defenses in the country on the back end.
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 nation's No. 1 high school offensive lineman Jordan Seaton. The defense retooled under new coordinator Robert Livingston, adding four Power Four starters along the line, including Pittsburgh's Dayon Hayes and Samuel Okunlola. The Buffs should be much better along the offensive and defensive lines, which should help the talented Shedeur Sanders put up even bigger numbers after some great passing performance last season. On the other side of the ball, star cornerback Travis Hunter should benefit from more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
This isn't typical NDSU: NDSU is an elite FCS program, but it's also a team in transition. Head coach Matt Entz left to become USC's linebackers coach in December, paving the way for Wyoming offensive coordinator Tim Polasek to take over. NDSU lost four games and ended its season in the FCS semifinals in 2023. Though Shedeur Sanders will get the spotlight Thursday, Bison signal caller Cam Miller is equally impressive. He threw 32 touchdowns against only four interceptions last season.
The matchup to watch: The Bison's rushing attack against Colorado's new-look defensive line could be the deciding factor. NDSU averaged 237.5 yards per game on the ground last season, propelling the FCS' third-best scoring offense (38.1 points per game), but the Bison lose their starting running back and three offensive linemen from last season.
Colorado vs. North Dakota State prediction, pick
Expectations outside Colorado have cooled but the hype is still hot in Boulder. Deion Sanders wants a more balanced offense after the bulk of the pressure to produce was on his son, Shedeur, to throw the ball in 2023. NDSU provides a great first test for the revamped offense, particularly on the ground. Though 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. Pick: Colorado -9.5
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