The Colorado football team launched their 2024 season with a thrilling 31-26 victory over North Dakota State, thanks to standout performances by Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. This nail-biting opener, held at Folsom Field, offered a glimpse into the potential and challenges awaiting Coach Deion Sanders and his squad as they prepare for a competitive Big 12 season.

A High-Stakes Victory for Colorado Football

Shedeur Sanders, son of Coach Deion Sanders, once again proved why he is a pivotal figure in Colorado football. Sanders exhibited remarkable poise and skill, throwing for an impressive 445 yards and four touchdowns. His connection with Travis Hunter was particularly noteworthy, as Hunter caught three of those touchdowns, including two critical scores in the second half that ultimately secured the victory for the Buffaloes.

Travis Hunter, a two-way player who excels on both offense and defense, continues to redefine what it means to be a versatile athlete in college football. His contributions were crucial, particularly with his spectacular one-handed catch in the fourth quarter, which put Colorado ahead by two scores. Hunter’s dual-threat ability makes him one of the most dynamic players in Colorado football, and his performance against NDSU demonstrated why he was one of the most coveted recruits in the nation.

For more details on the game and player stats, check out CBS Sports.

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Challenges on the Horizon for Colorado Football

Despite the victory, Colorado football’s performance revealed several areas of concern that need to be addressed if they hope to compete effectively in the Big 12. The Buffaloes’ ground game was particularly troubling, as they managed only 59 rushing yards on 23 attempts, averaging a meager 2.6 yards per carry. This lack of balance in their offense could become a significant issue as they face more formidable defenses in the Big 12.

Moreover, Colorado’s defense struggled to contain North Dakota State, allowing the Bison to stay in the game until the final moments. The Buffaloes’ defensive unit was repeatedly gashed by NDSU’s offense, particularly in the first half, raising concerns about their ability to stop stronger opponents. The defense will need to tighten up, particularly against teams with more potent offenses, as Colorado football moves deeper into the season.

One of the most questionable moments of the game came in the final minutes when, after benefiting from a pass interference call that could have allowed them to run out the clock, Colorado inexplicably chose to throw the ball. The incomplete pass stopped the clock, giving NDSU one last opportunity to win the game. This decision highlighted potential game management issues that Coach Sanders and his staff will need to address as the season progresses.

For a deeper analysis of Colorado football’s performance and future outlook, see AOL Sports.

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What’s Next for Colorado Football?

As Colorado football prepares for their next game against Nebraska, the team faces significant questions about their ability to compete at a high level in the Big 12. Nebraska will present a more formidable challenge, and this historic rivalry game will serve as a more accurate measure of where Colorado football stands this season. The Buffaloes will need to improve their defensive play and develop a more balanced offensive attack if they hope to make a significant impact in the conference.

Nebraska’s defense will likely key in on stopping Sanders and Hunter, making it imperative for Colorado to establish a credible running game and involve more players in the passing attack. The pressure will also be on Colorado’s defense to rise to the occasion and contain Nebraska’s offense, especially in a hostile environment.

If Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter continue to perform at an elite level, Colorado football has the potential to be a dark horse in the Big 12 this season. However, as the game against NDSU showed, there is still considerable work to be done. The Buffaloes’ success this season will depend on their ability to address these weaknesses and build on the momentum of this hard-fought victory.

Stay updated on all things Colorado football by visiting Colorado Buffaloes Official Site.