Colorado has undeniable talent, but they still have much to prove.
Minutes after North Dakota State’s Hail Mary attempt fell just 4 yards short of an unlikely upset, Colorado coach Deion Sanders faced the postgame press with a mix of relief and contemplation. "You ever felt like you won, but you didn’t win?" Sanders mused, capturing the complex emotions of the night. Despite securing a 31-26 victory, the Buffaloes’ performance left many fans with a sense of déjà vu.
A Victory That Feels Like Déjà Vu
While Colorado emerged victorious, their display on the field felt reminiscent of last year’s underwhelming performances. Despite executing some impressive plays, the win against a lower-division opponent didn’t deliver the dominant showing many had hoped for, sparking doubts about the team’s potential for significant improvement this season.
Standout Performances
In the midst of the unease, there were standout performances that showcased the potential of Colorado’s top players. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who is being touted as a potential top-5 NFL draft pick, threw for 445 yards, completing 26 of 34 passes. His performance was highlighted by three touchdown throws to two-way standout Travis Hunter. Hunter, who proved to be a formidable challenge for North Dakota State’s secondary, ended the game with seven receptions for 132 yards.
Sanders noted the presence of NFL scouts, commenting, "I think 31 NFL scouts showed up tonight and saw what they came for. So, let’s move on from here. I’m going to do my best to keep my frustration in check, but we got the win."
Reflecting on Last Year’s Season Opener
Sanders’ optimism about his team’s potential grew as he spoke, though it stood in stark contrast to last year’s season opener against TCU. After that game, Sanders famously asked, "Do you believe now?"—a question that had many believing the Buffaloes were on the brink of a conference title contention.
A year later, the excitement from the TCU game feels distant, and it may be premature to draw definitive conclusions about the season’s potential based on just one game. Colorado’s narrow victory against North Dakota State leaves fans and analysts pondering whether this team is truly poised for a breakthrough or if they’ll continue to grapple with inconsistencies.
Looking Ahead
As the Buffaloes move forward, the focus will be on building upon the positive aspects of their performance while addressing the areas that fell short. Sanders’ mixed emotions reflect the broader sentiment of hope tempered by caution. The road ahead will reveal whether Colorado can translate their individual talent into a cohesive, dominant force capable of meeting the high expectations set for them.
