In less than a year, the Colorado Buffaloes have gone from being an afterthought of the nation to becoming the focal point of college football. And it's all because of one man -- Deion Sanders.
Each week, there's a new task for the Buffs that the world deems impossible. But through the start of the season, Colorado keeps coming out on top and surprising us.
For kids like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, following Coach Prime was a no-brainer. Their head coach instills that he believes in these athletes and it's proof that the power of affirmation can make any athlete greater.
The Team: new and improved buffaloes herd
Colorado was put on our radar during the offseason when Coach Prime was hired in December. Within his first few months, over 80 players packed up their gear and headed into the transfer portal. I mean, they did follow Sanders' instructions.
On his first day at Colorado, Deion Sanders told the current players he was "bringing his own luggage" and to "go ahead and jump in that portal."
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) April 24, 2023
14 players have entered the transfer portal since their spring game on Saturday.
pic.twitter.com/y363kCisYp
Spending three seasons with Jackson State, compiling a 27-6 overall record, Coach Prime built strong foundations with his Tigers. So, when Sanders said he was moving elsewhere, it was an obvious choice for his prodigies to follow.
Of those prodigies is his starting quarterback son, Shedeur Sanders, who has left the nation stunned. In his Colorado debut, the junior broke a program record tossing over 500 yards and four touchdowns.
Meanwhile in the same game, his partner in crime, CB Travis Hunter, became the Shohei Ohtani of college football. The sophomore played over 120 snaps both offensively and defensively in 96-degree heat. Yet, he didn't have any urge to leave the field after the dub.
the watchers: all eyes on colorado football
Deion and his squad have everyone watching. In Week 3, the OT thriller with Colorado State drew in 9.3 million viewers, making it the most-watched late-night CFB game in ESPN history.
The boys are getting shoutouts from sporting legends like Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, JJ Watt, Russell Wilson, Patrick Mahomes, Magic Johnson and tons of others.
It cannot be overstated what Deion Sanders did today.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) September 2, 2023
To turn the whole Colorado program around from what it was last season to today beating a team that played in the National Championship last season…
It’s one thing to talk about it.
It’s another to actually do it.
Wow.
Aaron Rogers high praise for Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter ! #WeComing #SkoBuffs 🦬 pic.twitter.com/MrTyoV3lv3
— We Coming 🦬 (@SkoBuffsGoBuffs) September 15, 2023
The bettors: are the buffs actually profitable?
Through the first three weeks, let's take a look at if Colorado has been generous to our wagers:
| Matchup | Final Score | ATS | Moneyline | OVER/UNDER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado vs No. 17 TCU | 45-42 (W) | +21.0 (W) | +730 (W) | 63.5 (O) |
| Colorado vs Nebraska | 36-14 (W) | -2.5 (W) | -150 (W) | 56.5 (U) |
| Colorado vs Colorado State | 43-35 OT (W) | -23.0 (L) | -2500 (W) | 63.0 (O) |
Back in January 2023, the Buffs opened with far-fetched +30000 odds to win the national championship. After the unexpected start, those odds have fluctuated down to +8000.
Despite the offseason overhaul, Colorado was still pinned with a 3.5-win total line, which they now sit one win away from hitting the OVER (+105).
Shedeur Sanders wasn't even near a Heisman Trophy discussion in July 2023, when he had unlikely +12500 odds. Now, after his stellar performances, he is at +2000 consideration among some of the best.
the mission: it's bigger than football
College football has plenty of decorated coaches. Nick Saban, who's added seven national titles to his trophy case. Kirby Smart is eyeing a three-peat and had 10 of his players selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, tied as the most. Before the 2023 season, Jim Harbaugh has shined with a 76-25 record through his eight years at Michigan. So, how is Prime's early coaching success different?
From what we've seen so far, Sanders isn't focused on the numbers. Instead, Primetime relies on another factor to get his group ready for gametime -- his words. We've all seen clips of the speeches that leave us feeling like we can dress and play for Colorado ourselves -- jeez, Coach Prime even has the entire school population playing for him.
"'He talked about my mama so it's what?' Personal."
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 16, 2023
Coach Prime gets the @CUBuffsFootball fans chanting 'personal' on Big Noon Kickoff 🦬🤣
via @BNKonFOX pic.twitter.com/b8VQpw8VeY
Prime has built a cohesive bunch of athletes on and off the field. He's told them "if one fights, we all fight." and it's obvious that family bond carries on to a undeniable connection during play.
Love shedeur sanders defending Travis hunter after that dirty hit 💯🔥 pic.twitter.com/O3Lvh9r5So
— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) September 17, 2023
It's simple, Deion Sanders doesn't settle for being just a coach, he is a respected leader.
This is some really powerful stuff from Deion Sanders…
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) September 21, 2023
Colorado WR Jimmy Horn was having a rough game, so Deion pulled him aside and gave him an important message.
He told Horn that his dad, who is in prison, was watching him play.
“He’s watching you right now. He wants to… pic.twitter.com/KjU8Xm0ZWh
