The Colorado Buffaloes have endured a challenging stretch in recent years, struggling to find success in the highly competitive Power 5 conference. However, the arrival of Deion Sanders as head coach has injected a fresh sense of hope and rejuvenation into the team. Sanders brings with him a brand-new team, comprising a mix of talented freshmen and transfer players, ready to make their mark on the field.
With only one returning starter from their 2022 depth chart, safety Trevor Woods, the Buffaloes will rely on the leadership and experience of this defensive stalwart. Woods, who ranked second on the team in tackles and led in pass deflections, will play a crucial role in anchoring the defense. Additionally, the offensive line will feature two returning backups from last season, while the tight end position will be filled by a redshirt player. The remainder of the depth chart will consist of true freshmen and transfers, adding an element of unpredictability to the team’s performance.
The Buffaloes’ offense will be led by Shedeur Sanders, Deion Sanders’ son, who transferred from Jackson State. Shedeur showcased his impressive skills at Jackson State, throwing for 3,752 yards and 40 touchdowns with a mere six interceptions last season. Supported by running backs Alton McCaskill and Kavosiey Smoke, along with talented wide receivers from the University of South Florida, the Buffaloes’ offense possesses the potential to make significant strides this season.
Meanwhile, the TCU Horned Frogs face the daunting task of replacing key offensive players who contributed to their impressive scoring average of 38.8 points per game last season. Departures at quarterback, running back, and wide receiver, coupled with the loss of three starting offensive linemen, present a significant challenge for the team. Chandler Morris, with limited game experience, will assume the quarterback role, hoping to effectively lead the offense.
To compensate for these departures, TCU has actively tapped into the transfer portal, securing the services of seven players from SEC schools. These transfers will likely play integral roles in the team’s offensive strategy. On the defensive end, the Horned Frogs boast a majority of returning players, providing stability and continuity. However, their ability to generate pressure on the quarterback may be hindered by the loss of key defensive contributors.
As the Buffaloes and Horned Frogs prepare to clash, both teams find themselves in different stages of transition. Colorado, with its mix of raw talent and experienced transfers, presents an intriguing challenge for TCU. While skepticism surrounds the Buffaloes due to the late additions and changes to their roster, the sheer talent at their disposal suggests they can compete in major conference football.
On the other hand, TCU may experience a slight decline in offensive output due to the departures of key playmakers. This, coupled with potential limitations in their ability to rush the quarterback, creates an opportunity for the Buffaloes to keep the game close. Ultimately, the outcome of this matchup will depend on how well the Buffaloes’ revamped roster gels together and how quickly TCU adapts to their new offensive dynamics.
Prediction: Colorado +20.5
Main Markets:
Colorado ML: +750
TCU ML -1200
O/U 63.5
TCU -20.5
Colorado +20.5
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