If Colorado football’s offensive and defensive lines perform to their improved capabilities, the Buffs should have no trouble beating North Dakota State on Aug. 29.
However, things could get interesting at Folsom Field if those position groups struggle under the pressure. North Dakota State is a physical group, meaning it’ll try and win this game in the trenches.
College Football News publisher Pete Fiutak generally agrees. While previewing Colorado’s season opener, Fiutak noted that the Buffs must protect quarterback Shedeur Sanders and find success in the run game. Defensively, Colorado should focus on stopping the Bison’s rushing attack, although veteran NDSU quarterback Cam Miller is also well-equipped.
Fiutak’s final score prediction? Colorado narrowly escapes North Dakota State, 34-30.
Here’s some of what Fiutak wrote on the Buffs’ season opener:
It might be a new year, and these might be new teams, but even with Colorado trying to balance things out a bit more, the bread will still be buttered through the air. Most of the Bison’s close games and losses last year came when they allowed more than 100 rushing yards, and Colorado might not be able to net that if the line isn’t far, far stronger. North Dakota State star QB Cam Miler will do more than hold his own, but Sanders will bail the team out with a big late scoring drive to pull out a thriller.
Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.