BOULDER, Colo. — After a dramatic offseason filled with roster changes, coach Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes are ready for their season opener against North Dakota State. This marks Sanders’ second year as head coach.

This matchup poses a significant challenge for Coach Prime and his team.

North Dakota State has clinched the Football Championship Subdivision title nine times within 11 years from 2011 to 2021. Last season, their powerful running game was responsible for an impressive average of 237.5 rushing yards per game, ranking fourth in the nation at the FCS level, which will test Colorado’s defensive line that includes new transfers such as BJ Green from Arizona State and Chidozie Nwankwo from Houston. They will be aiming to tackle experienced senior quarterback Cam Miller, who has started 38 consecutive games and was ranked second nationally in completion percentage (72%).

Last season, the Buffs concluded with a 4-8 record, struggling particularly with their running game, finishing last in rushing yards per game. They hope to improve their ground game to support star quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who is Deion’s son.

YSL News Sports will deliver real-time updates, highlights, exciting plays, analyses and more as the game progresses. Stay tuned.

North Dakota State Takes the Lead and Finally Stops Colorado

BOULDER, Colo. – The North Dakota State Bison showcased something noteworthy so far in their matchup against Colorado: a defensive stop.

This occurred in the second quarter when Colorado attempted to convert a fourth-down play from their 34-yard line. Running back Dallan Hayden, a transfer from Ohio State, attempted to push through the middle but gained no yardage, getting halted by Bison defensive lineman Eli Mostaert.

This stop followed a series of scores, as both teams had successfully scored on every possession up to that point.

The turnover on downs provided North Dakota State—leading 17-14 after responding to a quick Colorado score with a 10-play, 77-yard touchdown drive—great field position at Colorado’s 34-yard line. They capitalized on this by kicking a 31-yard field goal to extend their lead to 20-14 with 4:33 remaining in the first half.

End of First Quarter: Colorado Leads North Dakota State

BOULDER, Colo. – At the conclusion of the first quarter, Colorado led 14-10, with both teams showing no signs of defensive prowess as they combined for a total of 308 offensive yards—158 for North Dakota State and 150 for Colorado. The Buffs managed just eight plays, in contrast to the Bison’s 20 plays, with the Bison still holding the ball when the first quarter came to a close.

The key to victory may be which team can make a crucial defensive stop.

Shedeur Sanders Hooks Up with Jimmy Horn Jr. for a Touchdown

BOULDER, Colo. – Colorado has added another touchdown to pull ahead 14-10 with just 3:15 left in the first quarter. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, under pressure, completed a pass to wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr., who sprinted for a 69-yard touchdown.

This makes it two touchdowns for Colorado in as many possessions, mirroring North Dakota State’s two scores in their opening drives.

So far, Sanders has completed 5 of 5 passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns.

North Dakota State Regains the Lead

BOULDER, Colo. – Colorado’s defense allowed North Dakota State to score on their initial two drives, this time with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Cam Miller to tight end Joe Stoffel in the right side of the end zone.

The Bison executed a 75-yard play over 10 plays, reclaiming the lead at 10-7 with 3:59 remaining in the first quarter. All three possessions thus far have resulted in scores.

Miller has successfully completed six out of seven passes, throwing for 117 yards and one touchdown.

Travis Hunter’s Touchdown Catches Attention from LeBron James

LeBron James is watching the Colorado-North Dakota State game and expressed his admiration for the Buffaloes’ first touchdown.

“Shedeur to Hunter for 6! Bet we’ll be hearing that name a lot this season!” James posted on X.

Travis Hunter Scores for Colorado

BOULDER, Colo. – Responding to North Dakota State’s opening field goal, Colorado’s two-way standout Travis Hunter made his mark by scoring a touchdown. He caught a 41-yard pass from quarterback Shedeur Sanders after lining up wide on the right side, then sprinted into the end zone to secure a 7-3 lead for the Buffs.

Colorado’s first drive covered 75 yards over just six plays.

North Dakota State Draws First Blood

BOULDER, Colo. – North Dakota State was first on the scoreboard, taking a 3-0 lead with a 36-yard field goal at 12:12 in the first quarter. The Bison quickly advanced into Colorado territory on their second play, thanks to a 48-yard pass from Cam Miller to TK Marshall. Colorado halted the Bison on third down, forcing the field goal attempt.

Game Details: Colorado vs. North Dakota State

• Kickoff is on Thursday, August 29 at 8:00 PM ET.

How to Watch Colorado vs. North Dakota State

• The game will air on ESPN and can be streamed via ESPN+ and Fubo.

New Look for Colorado Buffaloes Uniforms

Known for his fashion-savvy approach, Deion Sanders has yet again transformed the Colorado uniforms, reminiscent of last year’s redesign in his inaugural season. This time, the Buffs will sport all-black uniforms at home for their season opener, embellished with gold numbers and trim reflecting Boulder’s iconic flatirons.

Sanders sported black jerseys featuring white numerals, complemented by gold pants and shiny gold helmets.

Goldberg Debuts as a Colorado Dad

BOULDER, Colo. — Renowned wrestler Goldberg made his presence known on the sidelines before Thursday’s game, donning a black Colorado football cap as fans began chanting his name. Although the WWE Hall of Famer has been familiar with the celebrity culture here, having known coach Deion Sanders for many years, he is now stepping into this realm as a father of a son on the Colorado team. Gage Goldberg, a freshman linebacker from Boerne, Texas, is a non-scholarship player.

The Buffaloes have a history in the family. While Gage’s father played at Georgia, his cousin David Goldberg was part of the Colorado team from 2009-11.

Not Quite a Full House for Colorado’s Opener

BOULDER, Colo. — As of Thursday afternoon, the season opener for coach Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes was not sold out. This stands in contrast to last season, when every home game was sold out, despite the Buffs ending with a 4-8 record. However, Folsom Field is expected to be near capacity following the start of classes this week.

As of Thursday afternoon, Colorado reported that approximately 2,300 tickets were still available for the matchup against North Dakota State, with Folsom Field’s total capacity being 50,183.

In May, Colorado announced that season tickets had sold out for the second consecutive year, but single-game tickets remained available for select matches.

Will Deion Sanders’ Latest Roster Overhaul Pay Off?

BOULDER, Colo. — Deion Sanders has fully committed to revamping the Buffaloes.

During his first season as Colorado’s head coach last year, he significantly revamped the team, bringing in 68 new scholarship players, including 47 transfers from other four-year institutions. This year, he has once again overhauled the roster, adding 50 new scholarship players, with 39 of them being new transfers.

However, will this second wave of changes yield better results after last season’s 4-8 outcome?

Deion Sanders Responds to Paul Finebaum’s Comments

As the Colorado Buffaloes prepare for their season opener, coach Deion Sanders finds himself in the spotlight yet again.

This time, Sanders took issue with remarks made by ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum, who stated that Colorado football is “nothing” and “irrelevant in the bigger picture of college football,” during a conversation with Grete Griffin, Robert Griffin III’s wife and co-host of their podcast “Outta Pocket with RGIII.” — Carrie McDonald

Thursday Night’s College Football Lineup

(All times Eastern)

• Howard at Rutgers, 6 p.m. (Big Ten Network)
• Western Carolina at NC State, 7 p.m. (ACC Network)
• North Carolina A&T at Wake Forest, 7 p.m. (ESPN+)
• New Hampshire at UCF, 7 p.m. (ESPN+)
• Jackson State at UL Monroe, 7 p.m. (ESPN+)
• Lafayette at Buffalo, 7 p.m. (ESPN+)
• Fordham at Bowling Green, 7 p.m. (ESPN+)
• Central Connecticut at Central Michigan, 7 p.m. (ESPN+)
• Arkansas Pine Bluff at Arkansas, 7:30 p.m. (ESPNU)
• Duquesne at Toledo, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
• Murray State at Missouri, 8 p.m. (SEC Network)
• Lindenwood at Kansas, 8 p.m. (ESPN+)
• North Carolina at Minnesota, 8 p.m. (FOX)
• North Dakota State at Colorado, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
• Coastal Carolina at Jacksonville State, 8 p.m. (CBS Sports Network)
• Alcorn State at UAB, 8 p.m. (ESPN+)
• SE Louisiana at Tulane, 8 p.m. (ESPN+)
• Northwestern State at Tulsa, 8 p.m. (ESPN+)
• Southern Utah at Utah, 9 p.m. (ESPN+)
• Eastern Illinois at Illinois, 9 p.m. (Big Ten Network)
• Sacramento State at San Jose State, 10 p.m. (truTV/Max)

Key Matchups for Week 1 Showdowns

With Week 1 of college football upon us, our trusted team at YSL News Sports is ready to make predictions on the outcomes of the most important games among teams in the US LBM Coaches Poll. What better way to kick off the season than with contests that could have significant playoff implications?

Here’s how our experts believe the games featuring Top 25 teams will unfold.

College Football Season Predictions

So, how will it all work out? The experts at YSL News Sports are here to share their predictions for the upcoming season, including which 12 teams will qualify for the College Football Playoff and who will take home the national championship.

• Scooby Axson: Ohio State
• Jordan Mendoza: Oregon
• Paul Myerberg: Georgia
• Erick Smith: Georgia
• Eddie Timanus: Ohio State
• Dan Wolken: Ohio State

15 Crucial Games for College Football Playoff

This year’s quest to reach the College Football Playoff is assured to be full of twists and turns. With a larger postseason field, teams will have numerous opportunities to secure spots or risk elimination.

Which games will emerge as the most decisive as the season progresses? — Paul Myerberg

Podcast: Week 1 College Football Picks Plus Florida State Insights

The official launch of the college football season is happening with Week 1 starting on Thursday and continuing through the Labor Day weekend.

The recent disappointing trip to Ireland ended with the 10th-ranked Seminoles suffering a defeat against their ACC adversary, Georgia Tech. This loss raises questions about what it means for the Seminoles as they aim to qualify for the College Football Playoff after not making the cut last season.

Dan Wolken and Paul Myerberg from YSL News Sports share their predictions for upcoming games and address various topics in college football as the season approaches in this week’s installment of the College Football Fix.

Full College Football TV Schedule for the 2024 Season

College football is undergoing significant changes with the expansion of the playoff system, allowing 12 teams to compete for the national championship. At the same time, conference realignments have transformed the landscape, resulting in the dissolution of Pac-12 football. Teams from the ACC, Big 12, and Big Ten have incorporated new members, while Oregon State and Washington State primarily face teams from the Mountain West.

The regular season kicks off with Week 0 games starting on August 24 and continues until the conference championship weekend on December 7. The College Football Playoff will commence in mid-December, featuring matches held on campus and culminating in the national championship game on January 20, 2025, in Atlanta.

Most Saturday games broadcasted on networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, FS1, NBC, and ESPN post-Week 3 will have their times announced anywhere from two weeks to six days in advance, meaning that game times and TV details will be updated throughout the season.