For a program that isn’t among the elite in the sport, a lot of eyes are going to be on the Colorado Buffaloes. That’s what happens when you bring in a coach with as much swag and an ability to grab attention like Deion Sanders.
A lot has happened in Boulder, and we are still two months away from the season starting. Coach Prime, as he is known, has already made a splash at the collegiate level. The million-dollar question is, “What will Coach Prime’s first season as Colorado head coach look like?”
The Schedule
Though the Pac-12 is not quite on the level of prestige that it was during USC’s run in the late 2000s, there is still a lot of talent to go around. Giving the schedule a look from 10,000 feet, the road is tough for a Buffs program that is coming off a 1-11 season.
There are more than a few names that have historically been quite tough to play against. It starts in week 1 with a visit to TCU. Trips to Oregon, UCLA, and Utah create a very tough road schedule for Year 1 as well.
The home schedule is just as tough, however. Colorado State, USC, Stanford, and Oregon State will all present challenges even with home-field advantage. Expectations need to be tampered with a bit just based on the schedule alone.
Buffs, the 2023 schedule is here.
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— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) January 18, 2023
The Expectations
Depending on who you ask, the expectations for the 2023 Colorado Buffaloes season can vary. There are those who vividly remember the 1-11 season of a year ago and know not to hope for a drastic jump. Even winning 4-5 games would be real progress and something to build on for Year 2.
Then again, there are those who feel like the culture has changed and there are bigger things coming for the Buffs. There are winnable games against Nebraska, Colorado State, Stanford, and Arizona. If they can keep it tight in games where they will be heavy underdogs and even steal one or two, they might be in the mix to get to six wins and even a bowl appearance.
What Would Be Realistic?
For outsiders and fans of the program alike, the key to success is patience. There is no coach, let alone one with as little experience as Coach Prime, that can turn around a Power 5 program into contenders that quickly.
Anything past four wins would be a major plus for Sanders. If he somehow can get the team to six wins and a bowl appearance, the hype for Year 2 is going to be off the charts. So long as the Buffs can get to around four wins, the future should be filled with excitement for the Boulder faithful.
In the lab 🧪#GoBuffs pic.twitter.com/e5Jbwt1Hw6
— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) June 7, 2023
Breaking Down the Schedule
While it is too hard to definitively say one way or another, that won’t stop us from making some very early game-by-game predictions. The schedule is going to be tough, and we’ll try to pick out the games that the Buffs stand the best chance as of right now.
9/2 @ TCU: Facing the national runner-up in their own stadium isn’t the best way to start. This should be a loss but if the Buffs can keep it close, there will be a lot of hopeful feelings in Boulder. Loss.
9/9 vs. Nebraska: Nebraska is starting over as well with Matt Rhule coming in from the NFL to restore Nebraska to glory. This is a winnable game and the first home game of the year. This is a swing game in every sense. Win.
9/16 vs. Colorado State: If the Buffs start 0-2, the urgency to win this game will be extremely high. Even still, the Buffs should be favorites, and this could provide a much-needed win. Win.
9/23 @ Oregon: The Ducks are one of the teams to beat in the Pac-12. If the Buffs can avoid getting blown out, they should feel fine about losing here. Loss.
9/30 vs. USC: the Trojans are arguably the most talented team in the Pac-12 thanks to Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. This could be an ugly one. Loss.
10/7 @ Arizona State: ASU is starting again and don’t look to be in a good place. This is a good spot for Coach Prime to add a confidence-building win. Win.
10/13 vs. Stanford: The Cardinal are also on shaky ground, providing another chance to win. The Buffs pull this one out and the hype train is chugging along. Win.
10/28 @ UCLA: UCLA has a lot of talent and could bring the Buffs back to earth with a statement win at home. Loss.
11/4 vs. Oregon State: With DJ Uiagalelei at the helm, this is just a better team. Still not a time to panic, however. Loss.
11/11 vs. Arizona: A coin flip. Arizona might be better on paper but not by much. A strong home effort gets the Buffs back to .500. Win.
11/17 @ Washington State: Washington State has a top-level QB and that should be more than enough here. Loss.
11/25 @ Utah: Utah is a contender for the conference title and on a different level. Could get ugly. Loss.
Final projection: 5-7
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— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) June 1, 2023