The game I have been dreading since it was scheduled in 2016 is finally upon us. The Colorado Buffaloes will open their 2024 season by playing host to Football Championship Subdivision powerhouse North Dakota State on Thursday at 6 p.m. MT (ESPN).
When the game was first announced, NDSU was coming off five straight national championships and has since added four more from 2017 -21. During those championship runs, the Bison knocked off teams such as Kansas, Kansas State, Colorado State and the Iowa Hawkeyes, who were ranked No. 11 team at the time. This year’s Bison has an experienced defense but is trying to break in a new head coach (Tim Polasek) and several new offensive weapons while dealing with injuries at key positions.
The Buffs have beefed up the offensive line in front of superstar quarterback Shedeur Sanders and brought back a vast array of explosive talent at the skill positions. CU’s defense will be anchored by a beefier front and added talent at all three levels.
The Buffs are in for a dogfight on Thursday, as North Dakota State isn’t your average FCS opponent. But because of roster improvements and head coach Deion Sanders’ respectful mindset regarding NDSU, I believe Colorado will pull away late and cover with a late score.
Final score prediction: Colorado 34, North Dakota State 23.
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