Colorado secures win as Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter shine

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders entered the postgame news conference with a mixture of relief and frustration following his team’s narrow 31-26 win over North Dakota State. “You ever felt like you won, but you didn't win?" Sanders asked. The outcome could have swung the other way if the Bison’s last-second Hail Mary had connected. Sanders' emotional ambivalence mirrored the sentiments of many Buffaloes fans, who watched their team narrowly avoid a defeat that felt eerily reminiscent of last year’s struggles. Despite the victory, the Buffaloes’ performance didn’t offer the kind of dominant showing one might expect against a lower-division opponent.

Still, there were bright spots, most notably the standout performances of quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way player Travis Hunter. Shedeur Sanders completed an impressive 26 of 34 passes for 445 yards, demonstrating the skill that has NFL scouts watching closely. Hunter, proving his versatility once again, hauled in seven catches for 132 yards and scored three touchdowns, showcasing why he's considered one of the most dynamic players in college football. His final two touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters were crucial, helping Colorado maintain a lead that North Dakota State could not overcome.

Coach Prime made it clear he believed scouts saw what they came for, stating, "I think 31 NFL scouts came tonight and I think they saw what they came to see." Despite the victory, his tempered optimism signaled an awareness that the team’s performance left much to be desired compared to last year's season-opening triumph over TCU, which had raised expectations for a potential conference title run. As Sanders highlighted, expectations at Colorado have shifted, emphasizing that winning is not just hoped for but expected.

The game also exposed some persistent issues, particularly on the offensive line. Although Shedeur Sanders was sacked only once, he faced significant pressure throughout the game. The run game was ineffective, managing a paltry 59 yards on 23 carries, averaging just 2.6 yards per attempt. This inability to establish a ground game forced the Buffaloes to rely heavily on their passing attack, an approach that may not be sustainable against tougher opponents.

Questions about game management also surfaced. After North Dakota State narrowed the lead late in the game, Colorado had a chance to run down the clock. However, a decision to attempt a deep pass on first down—despite having the opportunity to drain significant time—resulted in an incomplete pass, giving the Bison one more shot at victory. Shedeur Sanders later explained the choice, pointing to the defensive coverage and the talent in Colorado's receiving corps. However, such risky play-calling decisions could prove costly against more formidable opponents.

The upcoming game against Nebraska will be a significant test for the Buffaloes, as they face a stronger defense and a hostile environment in Lincoln. While the narrow victory against North Dakota State serves as a wake-up call, it also highlights the need for the team to deliver a more balanced and composed performance. Relying solely on the talents of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter might not be enough to navigate the challenges of the Big 12. For Colorado to truly compete and make a mark this season, improvements in the offensive line and more disciplined game management will be critical.

As Deion and the Buffaloes prepare for the next challenge, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on his star players, but it will take a team effort to achieve the success Sanders confidently envisions for Colorado.