After Coach Prime spent his bye week connecting with nature, his Colorado Buffaloes, holding a 3-4 record (1-3 Big 12), return to the field with a renewed sense of purpose. The goal is clear: three more wins for bowl eligibility, a journey that kicks off with a challenging matchup against the improved Utah Utes in Salt Lake City.
The Colorado Buffaloes arrived at their first bye week of the season at a crucial juncture, holding a 3-4 overall record and a 1-3 standing in the competitive Big 12. Coming off their best performance of the season—an upset victory over a ranked Iowa State team—the timing for a break couldn’t have been better. This midseason pause allowed Deion Sanders’ squad to recharge and refocus on their primary objective: achieving six wins to become bowl eligible, a feat that would signify significant progress for the program.
Coach Prime’s Unique Recharge and Renewed Focus
For Deion Sanders, the bye week was an opportunity for a unique kind of rejuvenation. The coach, known for his vibrant personality, shared insights from his time off, which included fishing in Texas and catching a foot-long turtle, as well as a visit to Estes Park, Colorado, to observe elk. Sanders humorously recounted his wildlife encounters and his inability to shop due to his prominence, indicating a refreshed mindset despite the challenges ahead. His personal recharge mirrors the team’s collective effort to get “healthier” after enduring the longest injury list in the Big 12 prior to the bye week, as reported by the Daily Camera.
The Critical Road Ahead: Staff Predictions for Bowl Eligibility
With five games left on the regular-season schedule, the path to bowl eligibility (requiring three more wins) is demanding. The Buffaloes Wire staff offered their updated record predictions:
- Griffin: Predicts a 5-7 record, foreseeing wins against Arizona and West Virginia but losses to Utah, Arizona State, and Kansas State.
- Jack: Forecasts a 6-6 record, believing Colorado can win against Arizona, West Virginia, and Arizona State (assuming Sam Leavitt’s unavailability), but will fall to Utah and Kansas State.
- Charlie: Also predicts a 6-6 season. He sees guaranteed wins against Arizona and West Virginia, leaving one more needed victory. He anticipates a loss to Utah but suggests a potential upset road win against Kansas State.
These predictions underscore the narrow margin for error and the significance of each remaining matchup. The consensus indicates that victories against Arizona and West Virginia are seen as highly probable, leaving the Buffaloes needing to pull off at least one upset against Utah, Arizona State, or Kansas State.
Week 9 Gauntlet: Confronting the Improved Utah Utes
The first formidable test post-bye week comes in the form of the Utah Utes on the road. The Utes, currently 5-2, have already matched their win total from the previous season, showcasing significant improvement, particularly in their run game and with a solidified quarterback in Devon Dampier, though his availability for the game remains questionable. Colorado faces a historical disadvantage, being 0-6 at Utah since 2011, and has struggled in road night games under Sanders (1-6 away since 2023 in games starting 7:30 p.m. ET or later), as detailed by USA TODAY Sports.
Deion Sanders holds immense respect for Utah Head Coach Kyle Whittingham, calling him an “unbelievable,” “pillar of consistency,” and one of his “heroes in this coaching realm.” Sanders admires Utah’s physical, tough, and consistent play, noting their strong quarterback physicality, defensive backs, and a “darn dawg” linebacker. Defensive end London Merritt acknowledged Utah’s versatile ground game, emphasizing the Buffs’ defensive focus on stopping the run, playing with heavy hands, and containing the quarterback.
Key Objectives for the Buffaloes’ Offense and Defense
The staff’s aspirations for the remaining games highlight critical areas for improvement:
- Run Game Commitment: Griffin desires a full commitment to the run, with Dallan Hayden, Micah Welch, and Kaidon Salter each getting 12-15 carries per game.
- Offensive Improvements: Jack hopes to see continued offensive growth, especially from Salter and a creative run game. True freshman Quentin Gibson, a key playmaker, credits “patience” as his biggest lesson learned this season.
- Pass Rush and Mental Mistakes: An upward trajectory in the pass rush is deemed critical, along with closing out on sacks. Addressing mental mistakes and poor second-half performances, which have made the team a “hard watch” at times, is also a high priority.
Athlete Kam Mikell expressed the team’s increased belief and energy following the Iowa State win, sensing a “shift” in momentum. This renewed confidence will be vital as they navigate the challenging schedule ahead. The goal is not just to win, but to become the “most entertaining 6-6 team of all time,” embodying the spirited brand of football Coach Sanders has instilled.
The Colorado Buffaloes’ pursuit of bowl eligibility is a storyline full of determination, strategic adjustments, and the unique flair of Deion Sanders. The upcoming clash with Utah at Rice-Eccles Stadium, set for 8:15 p.m. MT on ESPN, will be a true test of their progress and a pivotal moment in their season. For more details on the team’s official schedule and standings, fans can visit the official Colorado Buffaloes Athletics page and the Big 12 Conference website.
