Colorado’s Unfortunate Trajectory

In the previous season, the Colorado Buffaloes thrived with coach Deion Sanders at the helm, propelled by the talents of Travis Hunter and star quarterback Shedeur Sanders, achieving a notable nine-win record. However, following a 36-20 loss to Houston during their Big 12 opener, that success feels distant.

Despite a game that seemed closer on the scoreboard, the performance was a glaring mismatch as Houston dominated, scoring two touchdowns and maintaining control throughout. Houston amassed 430 yards, breaking a long-standing record of underwhelming performances, while Colorado struggled defensively.

Sanders expressed disbelief at the outcome: “I’m lost for words. No one could’ve told me this game would turn out like this.”

The statistics are disheartening for Colorado: they were outgained by nearly 150 yards, and Houston’s offense maintained possession for nearly 15 minutes longer. Conner Weigman excelled for Houston, marking a successful debut against a struggling Colorado team, which has lost several key players to the transfer portal.

Gone are many crucial athletes from previous rosters, with only a small fraction remaining from the 2023 recruiting class. Such rapid turnover raises concerns about the team’s ability to build consistent success.

Mid-Season Challenges Ahead

Moreover, the upcoming schedule will only add pressure, with several tough opponents awaiting Colorado. Following their match with Wyoming, the Buffs will face teams within the top 30 rankings. Even a repeat of last year’s performance could prove challenging.

Despite promising talents like Ryan Staub, who replaced expensive new recruits, and Omarion Miller, the team lacks depth in proven production. Handed a lucrative five-year contract, Sanders aims to revitalize the program, but without key players like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, it might be an uphill battle.

Ultimately, the Buffaloes’ future in college football remains uncertain, with questions surrounding their competitiveness post-Stars and whether they can attract top recruits at a time when the program appears less formidable.