Realistic Expectations for Colorado in 2023
Photo via David Zalubowski AP
Boulder, Colorado (PSF) - The Coach Prime era is officially here as Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes gear up for their first season with the new coach. After making waves this off-season through the transfer portal and social media clips, what can we expect from Coach Prime’s first season coaching in a major conference?
Week One: @ TCU (LOSS)
Unfortunately, the first game in Sanders's tenure comes on the road against the national runner-up last year. While it would be an amazing victory for the program and a huge momentum builder, TCU is too good to lose to a team like Colorado at home.
Week Two: Nebraska (Win)
This is where the Buffaloes could shock the world for the first time. Nebraska is coming off a four-win season and enters this year with a new head coach of their own, Matt Rhule. Despite what the betting lines may open at, this game could come down to the final possession for either team, but I think Colorado pulls it off.
Week Three: Colorado State (Win)
In his first appearance in this in-state rivalry, expect Sanders to make a splash. This is where starting quarterback, and Coach Prime’s son, Sheduer Sanders should be able to settle into his game after having played tougher competition in prior weeks.
Week four: @ Oregon (Loss)
Oregon is likely going to be Sanders’s first real taste of a dominant Pac-12 team. With Bo Nix at home for the Ducks, it would be a win for Colorado to keep it within two or three scores.
Week Five: USC (LOSS)
This stretch of Colorado’s season is unbelievably tough. Caleb Willams is the best quarterback in the country, and even if Colorado can score with the Trojans, I’m not sure they can stop them on defense.
Week Six: @ Arizona State (WIn)
The Arizona State game is going to be a massive game for Colorado. At this point, they will likely be 2-3. Transfer wide receiver Travis Hunter could have a huge week against the Sun Devils who lack experienced defensive backs in their system.
Week Seven: Stanford (Win)
Last season, Stanford finished second to last in the Pac-12; one spot better than Colorado. Like the Arizona State game, this is a crucial game to get the Buffaloes over .500. There won’t be much of a talent difference between the two, so I think Colorado pulls this one out at home.
Week nine: @ UCLA (WIn)
The Bruins are filled with unknowns this season. Losing Zach Charbonet and Dorian Thompson-Robinson means a major loss of offensive production. The Bruins are expected to start a true freshman at quarterback with Dante Moore. The Buffaloes need to capitalize on the unknowns from the Bruins. This game is likely going to be a toss-up like the Nebraska game.
Week 10: Oregon State (Loss)
Oregon State will be a sleeper to win the Pac-12 this year. With DJ Uiagalelei at quarterback, the Beavers have real conference title aspirations. This has the potential to be an embarrassing game at home for the Buffaloes.
Week 11: Arizona (Loss)
Arizona was a middle-of-the-pack team last year in the conference and is likely to be similar this season. However, in his third year coaching the Wildcats, Jedd Fisch is looking to make another jump. This could be a close loss for Colorado as the Wildcats are too well-coached.
Week 12: @ Washington State (Loss)
The Cougars are another sneaky contender for the Pac-12 title. Junior Cameron Ward returns at quarterback for the Cougars, in addition to three new wide receiver transfers. The Cougars are tough to beat at home, and Coach Prime and company are likely to find this out the hard way.
Week 13: @ Utah (Loss)
Utah is once again going to be near the top of the conference. Cam Rising is back for his senior year at QB with many of his weapons returning. The Utes also bring back most of their defense as well. Unfortunately for the Buffaloes, Utah is just too good, especially at home.
Overall: 5-7
A 5-7 record in his first year would be an incredible step for a team that won just one game last season. Obviously, contending for a bowl game and a conference title is where Coach Prime wants to be, but if the Buffaloes can win five games this year, the future is bright in Boulder.
