Following a narrow escape against Georgia Tech, Deion Sanders must spark an early offensive rhythm to avoid a trap-game disaster and solidify the Buffaloes’ postseason path.
The Colorado Buffaloes had arguably the best finish to a game in college football's opening week. A one-point walk-off win courtesy of a last-second Boo Carter blocked field goal. The Buffs overcame a slow offensive start with quarterback Julian Lewis struggling to find a rhythm early. He consistently missed receivers, leading them about 5-8 yards down the field.
The CU offense began to get their footing later in the second quarter and again late in the game when offensive coordinator Brennan Marion leaned on the run. A total of 15 consecutive run plays in the fourth quarter. Lewis had some nice completions, but it wasn’t until the final three minutes that the offense ‘looked’ good.
On the final possession, the Buffs felt like they hit a stride. They had controlled the line of scrimmage the entire game, and had very good defensive performances throughout, but the offense only looked as advertised in the last few minutes. A layered throw to a Charlie Williams on a double move route inside the 20-yard line for the score was the eventual difference.
Colorado has an opportunity vs Weber State
Weber State currently finds themselves in the middle of the pack in the Big Sky conference after one game. The Wildcats needed a blocked kick of their own to secure a victory over Northern Colorado. A blocked extra point saved them from overtime against the Bears of Greeley.
The Buffaloes are facing a season that needs to go a certain way. Being able to beat a Georgia Tech team that very few expected to compete with was a nice start. They cannot afford a regression in what would be viewed as a trap game if Colorado were to not win. In order to be the Colorado team fans and alumni want them to be, the Buffs must dominate the front range. Dropping a game to a team that could’ve lost to Northern Colorado would be significantly below that line.
In a season where Deion Sanders needs to not only win, but look convincing doing it, they need to be worried about bowl eligibility and the Big 12 picture as early as Week 2. For Colorado to be as successful as they want to be, and have spoken of, they need to go 4-0 in the first month. That would include wins over Georgia Tech, Weber State today, and Northwestern next week, with Baylor to follow after that.
What does the rest of CU's schedule look like?
After Baylor, Colorado will welcome Texas Tech and Utah to Folsom Field. The Utes might be the best Big 12 team flying somewhat under the radar. Then they face a decimated Oklahoma State and Kansas State, before Arizona State and Houston. They'll wrap up the season with Cincinnati and UCF. This is not a schedule where the Buffs can worry about wins and losses after the fact. That time is now. Colorado must convert the wins early in the schedule. Drop any game they look like they should win, and it will only make things worse when they play the stronger teams on the schedule.
Colorado, after their Georgia Tech performance, has reset the expectations for this season. It was the first time, under Coach Prime, the Buffs controlled the line of scrimmage almost from start to finish. It was also the first time under Prime they flirted with rushing for 200 yards while holding the opponent to a significant total of under 100 yards. They showed the ability to win through the trenches. That changed expectations.
A win is a win and counts the same in the standings. However, for Prime and his Buffs to maintain the hype and optimism generated last week, they need to beat Weber State “comfortably." It doesn’t need to be a 50+ point win, but it does need to be a victory formation situation up by multiple scores.
If the Buffs win comfortably or make a statement against Weber State, the 2023 and 2024 excitement could return. This time was based on winning the old-fashioned way. By controlling the trenches, punching the other team in the mouth and imposing their will. They have an opportunity to get the country talking about Colorado Buffaloes football again, but it begins with bullying a lower-division opponent.
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