Can Colorado
As the 2024 college football season enters its crucial stretch, one of the most captivating storylines has been the rise of Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes. In his first year at the helm, Sanders has transformed a program that was mired in mediocrity into one of the most talked-about teams in the country. Their inclusion in the first College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings of the season has sparked a great deal of debate: Can Colorado, led by Coach Prime, truly make a run at the CFP? Let’s break down the possibilities.
The Rise of Colorado Under Deion Sanders Can Colorado
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When Deion Sanders took over as head coach at Colorado, the program was coming off a dismal 1-11 season, marking the lowest point in recent memory for the Buffaloes. Sanders, however, brought with him a unique blend of charisma, coaching acumen, and an understanding of the transfer portal, which allowed him to quickly reshape the roster. In what seemed like an almost miraculous turnaround, Colorado became one of the most exciting teams to watch in college football, capturing the attention of fans, media, and recruits alike. Can Colorado
Colorado opened the 2024 season with a stunning 4-0 start, including a high-profile win against TCU in a game that showcased the explosive offense and dramatic flair that has come to define Sanders’ tenure. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Deion’s son, quickly emerged as one of the most talented and poised passers in the country. Meanwhile, the defense, though still a work in progress, showed enough promise to keep the Buffaloes competitive against some of the best teams in the nation. Can Colorado
While they did hit a rough patch with back-to-back losses to Oregon and USC, the Buffaloes bounced back to show resilience, which has been another trademark of Coach Prime’s leadership. Colorado’s inclusion in the CFP rankings after the first release of 2024 indicates that they’ve earned respect from the selection committee, but does that mean they can actually make it into the final four by the end of the season?
The Case for Colorado’s CFP Bid Can Colorado
The College Football Playoff rankings are not just a popularity contest—they are based on a comprehensive evaluation of a team’s performance over the course of the season. The selection committee takes into account factors such as strength of schedule, head-to-head matchups, conference championships, and overall record. Based on these criteria, let’s assess Colorado’s chances.
1. Quality Wins and Strength of Schedule Can Colorado
Colorado’s early-season win over TCU—a team that was in the national championship game just a year ago—was a statement victory that proved they could compete with the elite of college football. In addition to that, Colorado has played a tough schedule in the Pac-12, which is widely regarded as one of the most competitive conferences in the nation this season. With games still to come against Oregon State, Utah, and potentially Washington or Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship, Colorado has the opportunity to notch several more marquee wins to strengthen their resume. Can Colorado
Colorado’s tough remaining schedule could serve as an advantage in their CFP hopes. If they can navigate these challenging matchups and finish with just one or two losses, they will have the strength of schedule to justify their place in the playoff conversation. Can Colorado
2. Dynamic Playmakers
One of the most exciting aspects of Colorado’s play this season has been the explosive talent on offense, particularly from quarterback Shedeur Sanders and wide receiver Travis Hunter. Shedeur has shown that he can go toe-to-toe with some of the best defenses in the country, displaying poise, accuracy, and leadership. Hunter, who has played both sides of the ball, is a rare talent who can change the course of a game with his athleticism and playmaking ability. These two are game-changers who make the Buffaloes a dangerous team for any opponent.
In the college football playoff race, having elite individual talent can be the difference-maker, and Colorado’s high-profile players have the ability to steal the spotlight in big moments, whether in the regular season or in a potential playoff game.
3. Resilience and Coach Prime’s Leadership
Deion Sanders has always been known for his unshakable confidence and larger-than-life persona. His ability to inspire his players, recruit top-tier talent, and bring a winning mentality to a downtrodden program has been remarkable. Under Sanders, Colorado has shown the ability to bounce back after setbacks—something that’s crucial in the unforgiving world of college football. After suffering tough losses to Oregon and USC, Colorado rebounded with a win against Arizona State, showcasing their mental toughness.
If Sanders can continue to get the best out of his players, especially as the competition intensifies, Colorado could make a late-season push that impresses the committee.
The Challenges Facing Colorado
While Colorado has made impressive strides, there are still several challenges standing in the way of their CFP aspirations.
1. Defensive Inconsistencies
Despite the flashy offense, Colorado’s defense has been a major question mark this season. While the team has been capable of creating turnovers and making timely stops, they’ve also struggled against more potent offenses, such as Oregon and USC. As the Buffaloes face even tougher teams in the back half of their schedule, they will need to shore up their defense and find ways to get key stops in high-pressure moments. If they can’t contain high-powered offenses, it could be difficult for Colorado to earn the kind of dominant wins necessary for a playoff berth.