Rocky Mountain Low: Colorado Buffaloes' Uphill Battle in 2024

The Colorado Buffaloes football team entered the 2024 season with high hopes and a fresh start under new head coach Deion Sanders. But just two games in, those hopes are already being put to the test. Let’s dive into the challenges facing the Buffs and why this season might be even tougher than last year’s disappointing campaign.

A Cornhusker Reality Check

Saturday’s 28–10 loss to the Nebraska Cornhuskers was a wake-up call for Colorado fans. After an exhilarating upset win over TCU in Week 1 last year and a few more shaky victories, the Buffs have come crashing back to. This year’s game vs Nebraska exposed several weaknesses that will haunt Colorado throughout the season if not addressed:

• A porous offensive line that allowed seven sacks
• An inconsistent running game
• Defensive struggles, especially against the run

The loss wasn’t just about the numbers, though. It was a stark reminder that turning around a program takes more than just star power and hype.

The Transfer Portal Gamble

Coach Prime made waves in the offseason by bringing in a whopping 86 new players through the transfer portal. While this influx of talent has certainly raised the team’s ceiling, it also comes with its own set of challenges:

1. Chemistry issues: Building cohesion with so many new faces is no easy task.
2. Scheme familiarity: Players are still learning new systems on both sides of the ball.
3. Depth concerns: Despite the transfers, some positions still lack experienced backups.

These factors have led to inconsistent performances throughout the season as the team tries to gel.

The Shedeur Sanders Show: Blessing or Curse?

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Coach Prime’s son, has shown flashes of brilliance in the first two games. But is the offense becoming too reliant on his arm? Against Nebraska, Sanders attempted 45 passes while the team only ran the ball 19 times. This imbalance could make the Buffs predictable and easier to defend as the season progresses.

A Brutal Schedule Ahead

If you thought the Nebraska game was tough, buckle up. The Buffaloes’ remaining schedule is absolutely brutal:

• @ Colorado State (rivalry game)
• vs. Baylor
• @ UCF
• vs. #14 Kansas State
• vs. #20 Arizona
• vs. Cincinatti
• @ Texas Tech
• vs. #12 Utah
• @ Kansas
• vs. #13 Colorado

That’s a gauntlet that would test even the most established programs, let alone a team in transition like Colorado.

The Weight of Expectations

Perhaps the biggest challenge facing the Buffaloes isn’t on the field at all — it’s the enormous weight of expectations. Coach Prime’s arrival brought a media circus and national attention to Boulder. While this spotlight can be energizing, it also puts immense pressure on a group of young athletes still finding their footing.

Comparing to 2022: Could It Actually Be Worse?

Two seasons ago (prior to the Sanders arrival) was undoubtedly a struggle for Colorado, finishing with a 1–11 record. But there’s an argument to be made that 2024 could be even more challenging:

1. Higher stakes: With all the attention, every loss will be magnified.
2. Tougher schedule: The Big 12 is loaded this year, making wins hard to come by.
3. Growing pains: The massive roster overhaul means more potential for mistakes and miscommunications.

While the talent level has improved, the win-loss record might not reflect that immediately.

Reasons for Hope

It’s not all doom and gloom for Buffs fans, though. There are still plenty of reasons for optimism:

• Coach Prime’s track record: He’s succeeded everywhere he’s been.
• Improved recruiting: Top talent is now considering Colorado.
• National relevance: The program is back in the spotlight.
• Young talent: Players like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter have superstar potential.

The Road Ahead

So, what should we expect from Colorado for the rest of 2024? It’s likely to be a rollercoaster. There will be moments of brilliance that make fans believe the turnaround is complete. But there will also be frustrating setbacks as the team learns to play together and navigate a brutal schedule. We’re predicting 3, maybe 4 wins this season, again.

The key for Colorado will be managing expectations and focusing on long-term growth. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are college football powerhouses. If the Buffaloes can show steady improvement throughout the season and compete in most of their games, that should be considered a success — even if the win-loss record doesn’t look pretty. But will Colorado brass see it that way? That remains to be seen. It wouldn’t be the first time a college coach was on the hot seat.

The Bottom Line

The 2024 season was always going to be a challenge for Colorado, despite the hype surrounding Coach Prime’s arrival. The loss to Nebraska was a reality check, but it doesn’t have to define the season. How the team responds to adversity in the coming weeks will tell us a lot about their character and potential for future success.

One thing’s for sure: with Deion Sanders at the helm, the Colorado Buffaloes won’t be boring. Whether they’re winning or losing, they’ll be must-see TV for college football fans across the country. And in the long run, that attention and energy might be exactly what the program needs to return to national prominence.

So buckle up, Buffs fans. It might be a bumpy ride in 2024, but the destination could be worth it.