Kicking off the 2023 football season, Colorado had a lot to look forward to. From getting a new head Coach in Deion Sanders to having many talented players transfer to the program, things were looking promising. The Buffaloes kicked off their season against the college football runner up last season, TCU. This game was a battle back and forth throughout all 60 minutes, but Colorado prevailed. In this victory, Colorado fans began praising their newfound coach who is referred to by many as coach Prime. This Colorado team looked as if they had found themselves again after many long years without a winning season.
The Big 3
The pure talent on both sides of the ball for the Buffs showed. Not only did they have talent in the Quarterback and Wide receivers, but they also have talent flowing from their defense as well. Shedeur Sanders, Deion’s son has the ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver a good pass as the Buff’s talented quarterback. Travis Hunter, who is highly regarded as one of the best players in college football, plays on both sides of the ball. Hunter is a threat as a talented wide receiver and to also defend receivers as a safety. With the “big 3” being coach Prime, Shedeur Sanders, and Travis Hunter, one might wonder how anything could possibly go wrong for Colorado?
Injury & Uncertainty
Disaster struck after the Buff’s third game of the season. Hunter went down early in the game after a late hit occurred. The results of the late hit ended with a lacerated liver suffered by Hunter. He was expected to be out 3-4 weeks which is a huge loss to Colorado’s depth chart. Without the presence of Hunter, not only do they lose a talented offensive threat, but a defensive as well. Colorado also loses a leader who isn’t afraid to take hold of this team when they need it. After suffering the loss of Hunter, fans began to speculate how this will affect their season. Not only is he out for 3-4 weeks, but they also have one of their biggest tests of the season the following week. In week 4, Colorado travel to Eugene for a top 20 matchup against the undefeated Ducks of Oregon.
Challenges on the road
The Ducks and Buffaloes are both trying to keep an undefeated season alive while moving up in the polls. This game could be a determining factor in how well Colorado really is. Not only have they already beaten their record from last season by winning 3 games, but they have also gained all the media attention from the nation. Everyone is curious to see if the hype for coach Prime is real with this game. Oregon handled business at home defeating the Buffaloes 42-6 in a good ole fashioned butt kicking. With the loss of Travis Hunter, the outcome could have been very different if he had been able to play. Many people were quick to end the hype for coach Prime after this loss, but they weren’t at full health coming into this one.
Moving Forward
Deion was quick to acknowledge to the press that there was no excuse for that loss. Fans were disappointed in the loss but are optimistic for what is to come. After suffering such a harsh loss, Colorado quickly fell out of the top 25. With college football still being early in the 2023 season, they still have many games to prove their worth to fans and themselves. Colorado’s season still has many opportunities for growth and improvement. They play #8 USC in Boulder where they can cause a massive upset in the college football world. The narrative for this game will be attempting to get back on track. One loss is not the end, but enough of them could add up causing speculation surrounding coach Prime.
Hunter’s Frustration
Travis Hunter expressed frustration with his injury having stated, “I need to play this week. We need to get everything we can so I can get back on the field. I’m not taking no for an answer.” Deion responds stating, “No, you aren’t ready, and I care about you more than I care about this game. You’re gonna change the game of football one day when you’re healthy and ready. Relax and get healthy. I love you son.” Although fans can relate to Hunter’s frustration, they have to respect the love coach Prime has for his players. Without Hunter’s significant presence on the field, the Trojans have a better chance to shut Colorado down.
The Brighter Side
Colorado football might not be in the ideal position they were hoping for, but they can still make an impact this season. They have already proved that they can compete with good competition by beating ranked TCU. If this team stays healthy, then the prime time disaster in Colorado might not happen as severely as people think. Not only do they have threats on both ends of the field, but these next recruiting classes could look promising. From a team that was considered the “laughingstock” of division 1 football, Deion Sanders has taken this team to new heights. Being a fan or a student at Boulder has to feel good especially with the talent that has been on display this season.
Proving Themselves
For Colorado, they may not know what is in store for them the rest of the season or in the near future. With coach Prime though, Colorado has a new attitude, mindset, and goals to achieve under him. The hype might have decreased a bit due to the blowout loss from Oregon. That does not mean the hype will ever stop. With big games and a positive record, Colorado still has the ability to prove to the PAC 12 and the rest of college football that they are back. Only time will tell if this proves to be true. Until then, the college football world will eagerly wait to see how everything unfolds for the Buffaloes.
