CU Football 2023 Season Preview

CU FOOTBALL PREVIEW

THEY’RE COMIN’!

Arrival of Deion Sanders, revamped roster has put CU football in the national conversation in final year of Pac-12 Conference play

It’s Prime Time!

After offseason of hype, Coach Prime’s Buffs ready to prove themselves

By Brian Howell bhowell @prairiemountainmedia com

Deion Sanders didn’t need to be in Colorado very long to sense the desperation among Buff Nation.

“I truly understand what you want,” he said during a Dec 4 news conference to introduce him as the new head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes. “All you want is the opportunity to win, to compete, to dominate, to be amongst the elite, to be amongst the best. And darn it, I’m gonna give you that.”

CU has had a proud and successful football team for much of its 133-year history and reached its peak in 1990, winning the only national title in program history. Sanders, 56, was in the early stages of his remarkable playing career at the time, starring for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons in the fall and playing Major League Baseball in the summer

Sanders’ final season as a professional athlete (2005) coincided with the start of CU’s decline on the gridiron. The Buffs won the Big 12 North division that year, despite a late season slide that left them with a 7-6 record. Head coach Gary Barnett was fired and CU hasn’t been relevant since

In the past 17 years, the Buffs have posted only two winning seasons including the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign and three bowl appearances In the past 13 seasons, the Buffs have had more in-season head coach firings (three) than bowl appearances (two)

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders has been as advertised since his arrival in Boulder. Charismatic and perhaps flashy, the 56-year-old has stressed his desire to turn the Buffaloes around completely

Sanders may have concluded his playing career nearly two decades ago, but the Pro Football Hall of Famer remains one of the most relevant and charismatic figures in sports. For many years, he was in the media as an NFL analyst while also coaching his sons in youth football.

In 2020, he was hired by Jackson State as head coach and embarked on a new career as a college head coach He transformed the JSU program, taking the Tigers to back-to-back SWAC titles and bringing unprecedented attention on that team.

CU’s struggling program needed a Jackson State-like jolt, so CU went out and got the man who produced that jolt at Jackson State

After the Buffs bottomed out at 1-11 a year ago, getting blown out nearly every week during a dismal season, the arrival of “Coach Prime” has been significant in pumping life back into a program and a fan base that truly just wants to see winning football again.

“It’s been exciting. It’s incredible how quickly things have changed and we have yet to play a game under him,” CU president Todd Saliman said “I can’t wait to see what he puts on the field, but it’s been terrific to have him here He’s transformed the vibe, he’s transformed the program and I think it’s just so exciting to see it all happening. There’s just such energy, regardless of where I am in Colorado

Prime Time in Boulder … 3

Coach hire a boon for local economy … 6

CU Buffs offense preview … 8

CU Buffs defense preview … 10

CU Buffs special teams preview … 12

Sanders family all-in at CU … 13

2023CU opponent previews … 14

Preseason AP Top 25… 22

AP Pick Six: Impact transfers … 23

About BuffZone.com

The hub of the Boulder Daily Camera’s coverage of the University of Colorado athletics teams, BuffZone com is headed by longtime Colorado media members Brian Howell and Pat Rooney. In addition to complete game coverage for multiple sports, features, analysis, videos, podcasts and live chats enhance the coverage of the Buffaloes programs

On the cover

Head coach Deion Sanders runs onto the turf at Folsom Field prior to the CU spring game on April 22. Introduced as the head coach of the Buffaloes on Dec. 4, 2022, Sanders’ arrival has sparked renewed interest in the program not seen since the early 2000s. (Cliff Grassmick/ Staff Photographer)

Credits

Print Sports Editor: Adam Dunivan

Designer: Mario Sanelli

CLIFF GRASSMICK — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

BUFFS » PAGE 4

or the country. … The whole world is watching ”

Because of Coach Prime, the Buffs decided to sell tickets to the spring game this year and it sold out quickly, making that a big-time event for the first time ever Even ESPN showed up to broadcast the game.

CU sold out of season tickets in April. The student sports passes sold out earlier this month. The first two games of the year at TCU on Sept. 2 and home against Nebraska on Sept 9 were picked up by Fox and will be in the network’s marquee time slot, at 10 a.m.

MT

Along the way, Coach Prime has generated tremendous excitement, as well as criticism, for how he’s gone about transforming the program and the roster.

Of the 84 scholarship players on the opening day roster in 2022, only 10 remain Currently, there are 114 players on the roster, including walk-ons, and 86 of them are entering their first season as Buffs

“I know it was a huge overhaul, but it had to be done,” Sanders said.

Nevertheless, prognosticators don’t expect much of this team.

Oddsmakers have projected CU’s over/under for wins at 3.5. Pac-12 media slated the Buffs 11th in the preseason poll and some national publications have them at the bottom.

“Who cares about that?” Sanders said. “Who gets it right? Who really gets it right? If you guys got it right, you’d be in Vegas right now. … Nobody gets it right. You’re projecting Nobody knows what’s gonna happen. I don’t know what’s gonna happen. I feel like I know what’s gonna happen, but I don’t know what’s gonna happen.”

What he and the Buffs feel is going to happen is them shocking the world.

“If they base (predictions) off last year, I would rank them that too,” quarterback Shedeur Sanders said of the 11th-place projections “They were 1-11, so how could you not? But if you’re actually doing your research and understand, OK, cool, they got new players, they got new coaches, they got a new quarterback out there and then you know No. 2 (Shedeur’s number) is not

going like that. … It’s good for y’all to get that out there and just post it and create commotion and everything like that, but c’mon now”

As a player, Deion Sanders was a two-time Super Bowl champion and he competed in a World Series with the Atlanta Braves. As a coach, he was a winner at Trinity Christian (Texas) High School with his sons and he was a winner at Jackson State

Although he’s been in Boulder less than nine months, Coach Prime believes he’s establishing a program that can win here, too.

“I think you’ve got to have unity. You’ve got to have good players,” he said. “You don’t have good players and they can’t play the game, you don’t have good coaches that can’t coach the game, I don’t know what kind of culture you’re going to create. We’re trying to create a winning atmosphere. I don’t know about the word culture; we’re trying to win. I don’t care about culture. I don’t care if they like each other I want to win ”

There’s a lot of flash to how Coach Prime goes about his business and the Buffs have been the most talked about team in America because of him and the countless hours of YouTube videos produced about the Buffs.

Ultimately, however, Coach Prime and his program are all about winning, on the field and off the field. He puts a premium on his players being good students and citizens, as well as good players

With Coach Prime’s first season about to kick off, they have no doubt they’ll lock in on the field and bring Buff Nation what they’ve sorely needed for nearly two decades.

“We’ve got a lot of doubters; I don’t know why,” said safety Shilo Sanders, Coach Prime’s older son. “But we don’t have an underdog mindset That’s how we’re coming I’m not thinking we need to prove a lot We just need to go out there and do what we do ”

CLIFF GRASSMICK — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, left, talks with freshman Dylan Edwards on April 22in Boulder

Buffs will be must-see TV, but true turnaround a year away

By Pat Rooney prooney @prairiemountainmedia.com

The Colorado Buffaloes, indeed they’re comin’.

Much to the dismay of a faction of Buffs fans, however, the full brunt of the Prime Era stampede probably won’t be felt for another year.

Without a doubt, the start of the 2023 football season arrives with a level of optimism and excitement unseen in Boulder in decades There’s good reason Since CU announced the hiring of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders as the program’s head coach on Dec. 3, an entirely different world has unfolded around Colorado football.

For the first time in four decades, CU sold tickets to its annual spring game. The exhibition sold out and aired live on ESPN A

PRIME IMPACT

roster overhaul that began with Sanders’ arrival continued even more dramatically after the spring, as 56 players joined the program over the summer. The talent level, overall, is in another stratosphere compared to what was on display during the Buffs’ miserable 1-11 campaign a year ago.

The hype and swift rebuild have been incredible to watch Yet the Buffs remain an unfinished product

The crystal ball in this corner says it will be a 4-8 season for Colorado Fret not, Buffs fans It will be a far more exciting product than the one that sloughed through last year’s disaster And even more help surely is on the way. Sanders already has attracted some elite talent to Boulder. There is no reason to think that process won’t continue, and

likely expand, going forward. But there will be growing pains in the transition along the way.

The Buffs don’t ease into the the schedule, opening with a visit to last year’s national runner-up TCU on Sept 2 Likewise for the final start of Pac-12 Conference play, which begins against a pair of soon-to-be Big Ten foes at preseason No. 15 Oregon, followed by a visit from No. 6 USC.

In between and afterward, it’s difficult to assess what to expect out of the new-look Buffs The two-game road swing to finish at Washington State and Utah will be tall challenges, as will the Nov 4 homecoming date against Oregon State. I like CU’s chances in the two early nonconference rivalry battles against Nebraska and Colorado State. Same with struggling, suddenly homeless Stanford.

How can the Buffs surprise and

perhaps make a push at a bowl berth? That comes down to the array of talent at the skill positions on offense. It starts with a quarterback in Shedeur Sanders who has more potential than any CU signal-caller of the past two decades He will have plenty of weapons to work with in the backfield and among the receiver corps, particularly in two-way star Travis Hunter. The Buffs will have quick-strike, big-play ability It will be fun to watch.

How could it all go awry? Both games against the Arizona teams at ASU on Oct. 7, home against UA on Nov 11 have the preseason look of toss-up games, with ASU also working with a revamped roster under a first-year coach and Arizona still looking to prove its status as program on the rise is legit Nebraska is no gimmie. Lose all three, and even four

Dawn of Coach Prime era already a boon to local businesses

By Pat Rooney prooney @prairiemountainmedia com

As part of his vision to bring national championship glory to Boulder, legendary former Colorado football coach Bill McCartney looked beyond the gridiron, even beyond the campus.

The Boulder Chamber got in on the ground floor of that partnership while McCartney still was building the program that eventually captured the 1990 national championship. The partnership has endured through the many ups and downs of the decades since Without having yet played a game under new coach Deion Sanders, CU nonetheless is riding a wave of momentum, and revenue, at the box office

What’s good for the university invariably is good for the surrounding community The economic impact of Coach Prime’s arrival is no different

“It all started with coach Mac reaching out to (the Boulder Cham-

ber) and saying ‘We need to rally the business community behind the football team,” said John Tayer, CEO and President of the Boulder Chamber. “We’ve stood with the football team every year through some difficult, challenging periods, and then moments of great exhilaration and success We will continue to do that. Because not only do we enjoy the entertainment value, but we also appreciate what it means for the athletes participating and, ultimately, the benefit that we get to our local economy”

Sanders’ financial impact already has been substantial, particularly for a program coming off a lowly 1-11 season. For the first time in about 40 years, CU sold tickets to the annual spring game. The event sold out. Less quantifiable, but no less profound, has been the exposure Sanders has brought to campus That spring game aired live on ESPN, and the Buffs will be featured on the first two Fox Big Noon broadcasts of the year against TCU and Nebraska.

Following the COVID-19 pan-

demic shutdown of 2020, the return of fans to Folsom Field the past two years hasn’t provided the usual boon to the local economy. After averaging 49,473 fans in the final pre-pandemic season of 2019 — a number buoyed by home games against Nebraska and Air Force CU averaged 46,484 fans in 2021 and just 42,847 last year. The numbers from 2021 and 2022 are lower than the Sanders-led Buffs attracted for the spring game in April (47,277).

Tayer was unable to cite specific numbers regarding the impact of a bountiful football Saturday in Boulder, but said estimates indicate the economic impact for Boulder is in the “teens of millions” for every “high-attendance” game at Folsom.

Given CU sold out its allotment of season tickets in April, and the home dates against Nebraska and Stanford already have sold out, it should be a bountiful fall for Boulder’s business community

“There’s no question that for our hotels that are seeing higher occu-

pancy, and the extreme interest in the game attendance, it has been a positive,” Tayer said. “That reflects in restaurants, and we’re very confident we’ll see a surge from the attendance, as well as the local retail shops All of that just around it — the excitement of game day activity in the Coach Prime era — is something that has been a great benefit to the economy.

“Even beyond that, having the attention of a national high-profile coach who’s bringing in and attracting strong talent to the football team, is something that has great potential for not only the university, that is already seeing an upswing in applicants based on the attention the university is getting, but it’s something that allows us to put our community out there in a visible, positive manner Every time he is out there and is interviewed about our community, and the game’s he’s coaching on TV, all of that allows us to talk about our community and the wonderful, attractive nature of our business community.”

Shedeur Sanders key to scoring revival

Buffs QB aims to keep pace with Pac-12’s best signal-callers, slingers

By Brian Howell bhowell @prairiemountainmedia com

Entering his third season as a starting quarterback in college football, Shedeur Sanders is also learning his third different offensive system

The talented junior hasn’t been fazed by the challenge, however

“I mean, passing is passing. You throw the ball, it’s throwing the ball,” Sanders said “It’s just a different scheme, it’s a different way to call it as long as everything makes sense Of course I like it ”

What he likes the most is surveying the field and seeing the plethora of weapons next to him.

“In that offense, there’s a lot of electric things you can do, especially when you’ve got playmakers,” he said.

It’s been a long time since the

POSITION BREAKDOWN

Quarterbacks

Returners: Colton Allen, R-Fr (walk-on)

Newcomers: Shedeur Sanders, Jr.; Ryan Staub, T-Fr.; Kasen Weisman, T-Fr.; Gavin Kuld, Jr. (walk-on)

Outlook: Sanders is the clear starter after excelling at Jackson State the past two seasons. He has elite talent and the ability to be one of the best quarterbacks in the Pac-12. Behind him, the Buffs lack experience but continue searching for the top backup

Running backs

Returners: Anthony Hankerson, So.; Charlie Offerdahl, So. (walk-on); Christian Sarem, R-Fr (walk-on)

Newcomers: Kavosiey Smoke, Sr.; Sy’veon Wilkerson, Jr.; Alton McCaskill IV, So.; Dylan Edwards, T-Fr.; Ahmir McGee, Jr. (Portland State; walk-on)

Outlook: Early in camp McCaskill (a

Buffs were electric on offense, and it’s been three years since they were even competent on that side of the ball

One of the worst offenses in the country last year, the Buffs averaged just 15 4 points per game — the lowest average for any team in the Pac-12 era (since 2011) They also managed just 281.3 yards per game. Of course, there’s almost nobody left from last year’s offense and Sanders is leading the revamped attack In two seasons at Jackson State, he threw 70 touchdown passes (CU quarterbacks combined for 20 in that same span)

The entire receiving corps is new, as well, led by the electric Travis Hunter, who played with Sanders at JSU. The top two receivers at South Florida in 2022 Xavier Weaver and Jimmy Horn Jr are also now with the Buffs and making plays routinely in practice Javon Antonio is a big target who had big production at Northwestern State, and Omarion Miller leads an exceptional group of freshmen.

“All those guys are so versatile and they can score from anywhere

transfer from Houston) and Smoke (a transfer from Kentucky) were leading the competition, but Edwards is a dynamic playmaker who will have the ball in his hands a lot Hankerson, Wilkerson and Offerdahl are dependable, as well

Wide receivers

Returners: Cole Boscia, R-Fr (walk-on); Dante Capolungo, R-Fr. (walk-on); Chernet Estes, R-Fr (walk-on)

Newcomers: Javon Antonio, Sr ; Xavier Weaver, Sr.; Jaylen Ellis, Jr.; Willie Gaines, Jr.; Jimmy Horn, Jr.; Tar’Varish Dawson Jr , So.; Travis Hunter, So.; Isaiah Hardge, T-Fr ; Adam Hopkins, T-Fr.; Omarion Miller, T-Fr.; Jordan Onovughe, T-Fr.; Jacob Page, T-Fr.; Asaad Waseem, T-Fr.; Gavin Marsh, T-Fr. (walk-on); Kaleb Mathis, T-Fr. (walk-on); Kendal Stewart, T-Fr. (walk-on)

Outlook: Although he’ll play a lot at cornerback, Hunter could be the leader of this group. This is a deep group, however, as Antonio, Weaver

and that presents a tremendous threat to defensive backs,” head coach Deion Sanders said. “I can’t wait until you get an opportunity to see them work because they definitely have a quarterback that can get it to them We just have to protect him.”

It’s a reworked offensive line, as well, but a group that has a lot to prove. Ten linemen were starters at the college level last year, but most of them were at lower levels, including four junior college transfers The Buffs have been encouraged by the group in camp, however.

“The offensive line is really good,” running back Alton McCaskill IV said. “People are saying they’ve got some doubts, but I don’t know. I don’t be seeing what people are talking about, at all. We’ve got a good O-line, definitely They’re gonna get the job done. They’re fine Our O-line is just fine They’re jelling together pretty well. We’ve got some really good guys out there ”

Shedeur Sanders certainly hopes so, as does McCaskill.

OFFENSE » PAGE 20

and Horn have made big plays throughout camp. Miller has been exceptional, as well, as he leads a talent group of true freshmen.

Tight ends

Returners: Caleb Fauria, So.; Louis Passarello, So.; Michael Harrison, Jr. (walk-on); Brady Kopetz, R-Fr (walk-on)

Newcomers: Antonio Posadas, So. (walk-on); Elijah Yelverton, So (walk-on)

Outlook: The Buffs are going to lean on a lot of walk-ons Fauria and Passarello have been out with injuries, but the staff has been impressed with Harrison — a converted wide receiver — and Yelverton, who played for Coach Prime in high school This offense doesn’t typically use the tight end as a receiver, but they’ll be key in the run game at times

Offensive line

Returners: Gerad Christian-Licht-

enhan, Jr ; Van Wells, So ; Carter Edwards, R-Fr ; Evan Kistler, Sr (walk-on); Ben Reznik, So (walkon); Jack Seavall, So. (walk-on).

Newcomers: Landon Bebee, Sr ; Reggie Young, Sr ; Jack Bailey, Jr ; Tyler Brown, Jr ; Isaiah Jatta, Jr ; Kareem Harden, Jr.; Jeremiah McCrimmon, So ; Savion Washington, So ; Jack Wilty, So ; David Conner, R-Fr ; Hank Zalinskas, T-Fr ; Owen Westemeyer, T-Fr (walk-on)

Outlook: There’s a lot of college experience among the group, but the only two with Power Five experience are Christian-Lichtenhan (left tackle) and Wells (center), who each started eight games for the Buffs in 2022 Both have worked with the first team offense in camp Washington has been a regular with the first unit at right tackle, while Bailey and Wilty have often worked at the guard spots Bebee is competing for a spot on the interior, as well When healthy, Brown will be in the mix, as well.

CLIFF GRASSMICK — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders drops back to pass during the team’s spring game on April 22 at Folsom Field.

Returning safety Woods welcoming change

Defense looks for massive turnaround from historically bad 2022 season

By Brian Howell bhowell @prairiemountainmedia com

Only time will tell how good the Colorado Buffaloes can be on defense, but safety Trevor Woods is welcoming the change.

Among a small group of returning players from the 2022 team, Woods is looking forward to playing in the defense run by new coordinator Charles Kelly.

“It’s a lot different,” Woods said. “It’s more of like a 3-4 defense compared to a 4-3 kind of thing. A lot more moving parts and stunts from the front and stuff like that. It’s a lot different.

“It’s a lot more pressures and

POSITION BREAKDOWN

Defensive line

Returners: None

Newcomers: Leonard Payne Jr , Sr.; Shane Cokes, Jr.; Chazz Wallace, Jr.; Amari McNeill, So.; Bishop Thomas, R-Fr

Outlook: From the time he arrived in January, Cokes — from Dartmouth — has been a leader and one of the more consistent performers on defense. McNeill and Thomas have done well in camp as they aim for regular rotational spots. Payne and Wallace have been productive at their previous schools

Defensive ends

Returners: Chance Main, Sr.

Newcomers: Taijh Alston, Sr.; Sav’ell Smalls, Jr.; JJ Hawkins, So.; Arden Walker, So

Outlook: There’s a lot of experience at the top with Main and Alston, who are both seventh-year seniors Main played for the Buffs a year ago, while Alston is a former starter at West Virginia. Smalls (Washington), Hawkins (Mississippi) and

stuff like that than we ran last year because we didn’t run too much last year So that’s really been the

Walker (Missouri) are all looking for bigger roles after being backups at their previous schools

Outside linebackers

Returners: Joshka Gustav, Jr

Newcomers: Jordan Domineck, Sr.; Deeve Harris, Jr.; Khairi Manns, Jr ; Derrick McLendon II, Jr.; Taje McCoy, T-Fr.; Tristan Marois, Jr. (walkon); Jacob Woida, T-Fr (walk-on)

Outlook: It starts with Domineck, who had 7.5sacks at Arkansas last year and could be the Buffs’ top pass rusher. McLendon has been a productive player at times, too, as a transfer from Florida State. Harris and Manns are experienced, as well, and aim to prove themselves with the Buffs

Inside linebackers

Returners: Marvin Ham II, Jr

Newcomers: Brendan Gant, Sr.; LaVonta Bentley, Jr.; Jeremiah Brown, Jr.; Demouy Kennedy, Jr.; Victory Johnson, T-Fr.; Morgan Pearson, T-Fr.; Kofi Taylor-Barrocks, T-Fr.; Noah Young, Sr (walk-on); Bo Simmons-Lapenna, R-Fr (walk-on)

biggest thing for me, just learning all the different kinds of pressures and all that ”

Outlook: One of the more intriguing competitions on the roster Bentley was highly productive at Clemson, but was never a starter and is angling for a big role with the Buffs Kennedy, an Alabama transfer, is one of the fastest players on the team and could be a key to the defense. Ham is a longtime Buff who has impressed the current staff, while Brown is moving inside after starring at outside linebacker for Jackson State last year

Cornerbacks

Returners: Braden Keith, R-Fr (walk-on)

Newcomers: Omarion Cooper, Jr ; Travis Jay, Jr ; Kyndrich Breedlove, So ; Travis Hunter, So ; Cormani McClain, T-Fr ; Carter Stoutmire, T-Fr ; Andi Etok, R-Fr (walk-on); Nehmier Robinson, T-Fr (walk-on); Isreal Solomon, T-Fr (walk-on)

Outlook: Hunter is the leader of the group and could be one of the best cornerbacks in the country McClain was the top-rated cornerback in the nation in the 2023class and is coming along during camp If McClain isn’t quite ready to start,

Different is much needed for the Buffaloes, who were abysmal on defense a year ago. In 2022, CU gave up 44 5 points per game 3 3 more than any other team in the country and the second-worst average in program history (the 2012 team gave up 46.0). The Buffs also gave up 509 8 yards per game (second-worst in the country), with 245.1 of those yards coming on the ground (worst in the country)

None of that matters now, but it certainly illustrates why an overhaul was needed Woods is one of only three scholarship players from last year’s defense still on the team. One of the few bright spots of last year (second on the team with 84 tackles), he’s making a good impression on the new staff.

“Trevor bought into everything that we were trying to accomplish as a team,” Kelly said “It was very obvious. He tried to buy into what we were teaching. … I’m excited.

the Buffs could lean on Cooper, who is a Florida State transfer, and Breedlove, who is from Mississippi Stoutmire has flashed his skills in camp, too

Safeties

Returners: Trevor Woods, Jr ; Trey Ortega, Jr (walk-on); Austin Dahlke, So (walk-on); Ben Finneseth, So (walk-on)

Newcomers: Rodrick Ward, Sr ; Shilo Sanders, Jr ; Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig, Jr ; Myles Slusher, Jr ; Jahquez Robinson, So ; Vito Tisdale, So ; Jaden Milliner-Jones, T-Fr.; Brandon Miller, T-Fr. (walkon)

Outlook: Woods was one of the top players on the team a year ago and has impressed the new staff all offseason He has a lot of competition, though Sanders and Silmon-Craig were starters at Jackson State last year and have shown leadership and talent with the Buffs Slusher has had some good moments, as well Robinson is one of the most versatile defensive backs on the team, as he could play safety, corner or nickelback

AMANDA LOMAN — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Colorado safety Trevor Woods secured 84tackles in 2022and has shown the new coaching staff a hard-nosed work ethic as he competes alongside many newcomers for a significant role in the defensive secondary DEFENSE

CU BUFFS SPECIAL TEAMS PREVIEW

Confidence flying high in kicking game

POSITION BREAKDOWN

Place-kicker

Returners: Cristiano Palazzo, So. (walk-on)

By Brian Howell bhowell @prairiemountainmedia.com

During Colorado’s media day on Aug. 11, head coach Deion Sanders took a few moments to list the players that were standing out for the Buffaloes during preseason practice

He was nearly done before he quickly said, “Every darn specialist, they’re doing a phenomenal job The kickers, punters, unbelievable. I think we have some of the best in the nation ”

Like every other area of the roster, the Buffaloes have been overhauled at special teams, but they truly could have some of the best specialists around

For the past two years, the Buffs relied on the powerful leg of Cole Becker at place-kicker, but he is now kicking for the Utah Utes. Now, the Buffs have a trio of kickers competing for the job.

Alejandro Mata kicked for Sanders last year at Jackson State and was exceptional, making 12 of 13 field goals and 50 of his 51 extra points.

If there’s a concern about Mata, it’s that he hasn’t shown much range on game days. His longest field goal at JSU was only 38 yards in part because the Tigers didn’t get into long field goal range. The only attempt he had longer than 38 was a 44-yarder that was blocked.

Mata has hit from deep in practice, though, and is enjoying the competition.

“This is probably the most competition I’ve had in a room,” Mata said during the spring. “All of us are really good to be honest It’s just great being able to set myself to such a high standard with this competition ”

There is no question about Jace Feely’s leg strength, as he has routinely nailed long-range field goals in practice. He doesn’t have the

game experience, however. He made his only extra point attempt at Arizona State and didn’t attempt a field goal.

“I’m very confident in myself and that’s why I’m here,” said Feely, the son of former NFL kicker Jay Feely.

Unlike his competitors, Cristiano Palazzo is a walk-on, but he’s been praised by Sanders a few times this offseason along with the others

At punter, the Buffs brought in Mark Vassett, who was Louisville’s punter the past two seasons He earned honorable mention AllACC honors last year and has received preseason All-Pac-12 consideration this year.

“Right now I’m hitting the ball better than I ever have, so I’m expecting to have a really good year,”

Vassett said this month. “It’s exciting.”

Vassett is also projected to be the Buffs’ holder on place-kicks. A quartet of players are battling for snapper duties, and the favorite to land the job is Jackson State transfer Jacob Politte

Add in the explosive players that CU could have returning kicks and punts including speedy running back Dylan Edwards and the Buffs could potentially have one of the better special teams units. If they do, it’ll be because Coach Prime puts a premium on quality special teams play.

“Special teams can win or lose a game for you and we don’t take it for granted,” he said. “I played on

Newcomers: Jace Feely, So.; Alejandro Mata, So

Outlook: All off-season, the competition has been open and the Buffs haven’t announced who will handle the kicking roles. Mata is the most experienced, having excelled at Jackson State last year Feely had minimal opportunities at Arizona State but has a big leg and could be the top option for kickoff duties. Palazzo has been impressive in practice at times, too

Punter

Returners: Trent Carrizosa, So (walk-on)

Newcomers: Mark Vassett, Jr.

Outlook: As long as he’s healthy, Vassett will be the punter. He’s had an exceptional two seasons at Louisville, setting single-season and career school records for punting average. Carrizosa was the Buffs’ primary punter for the final nine games of the 2022season, so he will provide good depth

Snapper

Returners: Camden Dempsey, So (walk-on); Cameron Warchuck, So (walk-on)

Newcomers: Jacob Politte, So. (walk-on); Gabe Landers, R-Fr (walk-on)

Outlook: CU hasn’t announced who will handle the snapping duties, but the Buffs have options. Politte was the snapper at Jackson State last year and followed his coaches to Boulder. Warchuck was a parttime snapper on punts last year before a season-ending knee injury Dempsey and Landers are competing for playing time, too

special teams. Our special teams coach, Trevor (Reilly), played on special teams That’s how he made it to the NFL. So, we take that tremendously serious and we don’t take that as a break. Special teams means a lot to us.”

Mata, Feely keeping each other honest in their craft

PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO ATHLETICS

Colorado’s Alejandro Mata kicks a field goal during a Buffaloes’ scrimmage on Aug. 12in Boulder

SANDERS

Move to Boulder a family affair

Deion gets to coach two sons with Shedeur at quarterback, older brother Shilo at safety

By Brian Howell bhowell @prairiemountainmedia com

Every now and then, there will be a situation in college football where a head coach gets to coach his son.

At Colorado, it’s happened twice in recent years, with head coaches Dan Hawkins (and son Cody) and Mike MacIntyre (and son Jay)

This year, Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders gets to coach not just one, but two of his sons. Shedeur is the Buffs’ starting quarterback and Shilo is battling for a starting job at safety.

Coach Prime is also joined in Boulder by his oldest son, Deion Jr., who runs the YouTube channel, Well Off Media, that documents CU football every day; his daughter Shelomi, who is a sophomore on the CU women’s basketball team; and his sister, Tracie Knight, who works for CU as Coach Prime’s assistant

It’s a unique situation, but it doesn’t feel out of the ordinary to Coach Prime, who also had his family with him at Jackson State the past three seasons

“I don’t know no other way,” he said. “This is the way it is, always. You guys are just getting an opportunity to see it. My family was in Jackson My kids have always been with me and my kids have been in school with me growing up

“I don’t recall a game, except for when I was in the hospital for four weeks (in 2021) that anyone else has ever coached Shedeur. The only reason Shilo had another coach was because he went to South Carolina. So that’s the way it has always been from youth league, as long as I can remember; Bossy’s (Shelomi) little soccer teams all the way up. I’ve been in their lives I pride myself on being a real father, and a good son to my mother, as well as a good brother to my sister and her kids, as well.”

While the Sanders are close, Shedeur said it’s easy to separate football from family.

“He’s been my coach my whole life, so it’s normal,” he said. “There’s time for seriousness and there’s time to play. So it’s just something that we both know.

“We don’t live together, so we go to dinner sometimes, but when I leave the facility, it’s my time just to chill and just be on my own time because I’m with him all day, every day”

Growing up, Shedeur and Shilo both starred at Trinity Christian (Texas) School, where Coach Prime was an assistant.

Although both are now juniors for the Buffs, Shilo, 23, is two years older than Shedeur, 21, and spent his first two years of college at South Carolina. He redshirted in 2019 and played in 2020, but the season didn’t count toward eligibility for any players around the country because of the COVID-19 pandemic

The two brothers became teammates again at Jackson State in 2021 and will be together along with their father for the third consecutive season at CU this fall

“For us it’s been a reality our whole lives,” Shilo said. “Me and Shedeur have always played on the same team. I used to play quarterback, he used to play, like, running back and stuff like that. But, (Coach Prime), he’s been our coach for a long time, ever since we started football, so for us, it’s just nothing really that special.

“We’ve been winning since we were younger. He’s always been able to recruit, he’s always been able to get good players and just be a good leader for us and bring the winning culture to whatever team we’ve been on since we were five and six years old.”

While sharing the football experience has been a bond for the Sanders family, Shedeur said that bond extends beyond the family

“It’s real fun,” Shedeur said of sharing the CU experience with his father and siblings, “but each and every player, we’re family also, especially on the offensive side of the ball because we spend the most time with each other Those guys, we’re around each other more than I am around my own siblings, honestly Those guys understand and we all have a connection in a way, so we’re all just one family.”

A glance at each of Colorado’s 12 opponents this season

Texas Christian

Head coach: Sonny Dykes, 2nd season (13-2; 84-65career)

2022season: 13-2, 9-0Big 12

Series with CU: TCU leads 1-0

The Game

Who: Colorado Buffaloes at TCU Horned Frogs

When: Saturday, Sept. 2, 10a.m MT (TV: FOX)

Where: Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas

5 Guys to Watch

• RB Emani Bailey: Finished fourth on the team in rushing last year, but is the Horned Frogs’ top returning running back. Totaled 250yards on the ground and led the Big 12with 8 1yards per carry. He will battle with Alabama transfer Trey Sanders for the starting role

• LB Johnny Hodges: A year ago, he transferred in from Navy and was named the Big 12defensive newcomer of the year, as well as earning second-team All-Big 12honors. He

led the Frogs with 87tackles and added 9 5tackles for loss and two sacks

• QB Chandler Morris: He won the job coming out of fall camp last year

and started the 2022season opener at Colorado, completing 13-of-20 passes for 111yards before leaving with a knee sprain late in the third quarter. He threw just seven passes the rest of the year. Morris is the

starter this year and he hopes to finally seize the opportunity full-time

• CB Josh Newton: Named firstteam All-Big 12a year ago after racking up 35tackles, 2 5tackles for loss, three interceptions and 12 pass breakups. He had 114yards on his three interception returns and took one back for a touchdown. He played four years at Louisiana-Monroe before transferring to TCU

• WR JP Richardson: Former Oklahoma State captain transferred to TCU and had a big spring. Expected to be one of the top targets for a revamped receiving corps. As a sophomore at OSU last year, he caught 49passes for 503yards and four touchdowns

Good to know

• Fourth-year sophomore quarterback Chandler Morris began his career at Oklahoma before transferring to TCU in 2021. During his collegiate career, he has thrown 108 passes without being picked off. He has completed 65 7% of his passes for 879yards and four touchdowns

Head coach: Matt Rhule, 1st season (47-43career)

2022season: 4-8, 3-6Big Ten Series with CU: Nebraska leads 49-20-2

The Game

Who: Nebraska Cornhuskers at Colorado Buffaloes

When: Saturday, Sept. 9, 10a.m MT (FOX)

Where: Folsom Field in Boulder

5 Guys to Watch

• S Myles Farmer: A full-time starter for the first time in 2022, he finished second on the team with 73tackles, while also breaking up four passes and recording an interception

• RB Anthony Grant: After beginning his career at Florida State and then two years at New Mexico Military Institute, he transferred to Nebraska last year and led the team in rushing, with 915yards and six touchdowns. His 218carries were the most by a Nebraska player since

2014. He earned All-Big Ten honorable mention.

• CB Quinton Newsome: One of the better corners in the Big Ten, Newsome had 44tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks and 10 pass breakups last season, earning all-conference honorable mention He has played in 42career games, including the last 24in the starting

lineup

• LB Luke Reimer: Former walk-on is now a fifth-year senior going into his fourth year as a starter He led the Huskers in tackles in 2021(108) and 2022(86), including a combined 9 5tackles for loss in those seasons. He’s earned All-Big honorable mention the past two years.

• QB Jeff Sims: Transfer from

Georgia Tech started 23games in three seasons for the Yellow Jackets. He had a 7-16record as a starter, completing 57 5% of his passes for 4,464yards, 30touchdowns and 23interceptions. He also rushed for 1,166yards and 11touchdowns, averaging 4.2yards per carry.

Good to know

• Nebraska won the last three meetings with CU when both teams were in the Big 12, but the Buffs are 2-0against the Cornhuskers since they both left the Big 12. CU rallied for a 33-28win in Lincoln on Sept 8, 2018, and then rallied for a 3431overtime win in Boulder on Sept 7, 2019

Regular-season schedule

BRANDON WADE — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

TCU safety Mark Perry surveys the opposing offense during a game against Texas Tech on Nov. 5in Fort Worth, Texas

CHARLIE NEIBERGALL — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Nebraska defensive back Myles Farmer runs on the field during the first half of a game against Iowa on Nov. 25in Iowa City, Iowa

Colorado State

Head coach: Jay Norvell, 2nd season (3-9; 36-35career)

2022season: 3-9, 3-5Mountain

West

Series with CU: Buffs lead 6722-2

The Game

Who: Colorado State Rams at Colorado Buffaloes

When: Saturday, Sept. 16, 8p.m

Oregon

Head coach: Dan Lanning, 2nd season (10-3)

2022season: 10-3, 7-2Pac-12

Series with CU: Oregon leads 15-9

The Game

Who: Colorado Buffaloes at Oregon Ducks

When: Saturday, Sept. 23, TBA

Where: Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore

5 Guys to Watch

• LB Jeffrey Bassa: He has played

MT (TV:

ESPN)

Where: Folsom Field in Boulder

5 Guys to Watch

• WR Tory Horton: The top receiver in the Mountain West, he caught 71passes for 1,131yards and eight touchdowns in his first year with the Rams. He also averaged 15 6 yards on punt returns

• S Jack Howell: Earned first-team All-MWC last year and finished second in the conference with 9 8

in all 27of the Ducks’ games the past two seasons. As a reserve in 2021, he had 48tackles, 3 5tackles for loss and a sack. Last year, he started nine games and finished with 62tackles, four TFLs, two sacks and two interceptions

• DE Brandon Dorlus: Earned All-Pac-12second team honors last year and first team honors in 2021. Last year, he had 39tackles, 9 5TFLs and 2 5sacks. Posted 25 tackles, seven TFLs and 2 5sacks in 2021

• WR Troy Franklin: One of the top receivers in the Pac-12, he caught

tackles per game. He racked up 108 tackles, three tackles for loss and three interceptions last year

• RB Kobe Johnson: In four seasons at North Dakota State, he rushed for 2,563yards and 18 touchdowns while averaging 6 7 yards per carry

• DE Mohamed Kamara: Had the best year of his career in 2022, finishing second in the MWC in tackles for loss (16 0) and fourth in sacks (8.5).

61passes for 891yards and nine touchdowns (tied for the Pac-12 lead) last year as a sophomore. His yardage total was the most by an Oregon receiver since 2018.

• RB Bucky Irving: The top returning rusher in the Pac-12, he gained 1,058yards and five touchdowns last year, averaging 6.8yards per carry. He also caught 31passes for 299yards and three scores

• QB Bo Nix: In his first year at Oregon, he set a program record for completion percentage (71 9%), the second-best mark in the country He racked up 4,103yards in total

Anchor Point Primary Care Clinic CLOSE TO

CAMPUS MEDICAL CARE

• QB Clay Millen: Led the country in completion percentage last year (72 2%), setting a school record. He threw for 1,910yards, 10touchdowns and six interceptions

Good to know

• CSU beat the Buffaloes in 2014, but CU has won the last five meetings since then The Buffs are 31-9-1against the Rams in Boulder, but lost the last meeting at Folsom Field in 2009

offense and accounted for 44 touchdowns (29passing, 14rushing and one receiving)

Good to know

• Two former Buffs joined the Ducks this offseason as transfers. Nikko Reed, the Buffs’ top cornerback last year, could be a starter for the Ducks Defensive end Kaden Ludwick, who played in only one game as a true freshman last year, joined the Ducks as a walk-on tight end. Also, in the Pac-12era (since 2011), the Ducks have the most championships (four) and the most title game appearances (five)

The board-certified family medicine and internal medicine specialists at Anchor Point Primary Care offer a personalized, team-based approach for everyday health care needs including:

• Routine check-ups

• Preventative care

• Sudden illness treatment

• Chronic disease management

• STD testing and treatment

• LGBTQIA+ care

Same-day appointments available!

• Birth control

• Flu shots and vaccinations

Southern Cal

Head coach: Lincoln Riley, 2nd season (11-3; 66-13career)

2022season: 11-3, 8-1Pac-12

Series with CU: USC leads 16-0

The Game

Who: USC Trojans at Colorado Buffaloes

When: Saturday, Sept. 30, TBA

Where: Folsom Field in Boulder

5 Guys to Watch

• DL Bear Alexander: One of the most highly recruited defensive linemen in the country in the class of 2022, Alexander played last season for national champion Georgia. In limited time as a reserve, he had nine tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, two pass breakups and 13quarterback hurries

• S Calen Bullock: Last year he was named first-team All-American by Pro Football Focus and first-team All-Pac-12by the Associated Press. Finished the season with 48tackles and five interceptions, along with five pass breakups. He had 172yards on his interception returns, including a 93-yard touchdown

• WR Brenden Rice: Former Colorado star posted 39catches for 611yards and four touchdowns in his first season at USC. He was fourth in the team in all three categories. He could be in line for a bigger role this season

• WR Dorian Singer: A year ago, he was Arizona’s top receiver, finishing second in the Pac-12 with 92 1receiving yards per game. He finished the year with 66catches for 1,105yards and six touchdowns, averaging 16.7yards per catch

• QB Caleb Williams: The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner threw for 4,537yards, 42touchdowns and only five interceptions, while also rushing for 382yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s among the favorites to win the Heisman again

Good to know

• Last season, USC ranked third nationally in scoring (41 4points per game) and third in total offense (506 6yards per game)

Defensively, however, the Trojans were 93rd in points allowed (29 2) and 106th in yards allowed (423 9)

Arizona State

Head coach: Kenny Dillingham, 1st season

2022season: 3-9, 2-7Pac-12

Series with CU: Arizona State leads 10-3

The Game

Who: Colorado Buffaloes at Arizona State Sun Devils

When: Saturday, Oct. 7, TBA

Where: Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz

5 Guys to Watch

• LB Travion Brown: A transfer from Washington State where he played for new ASU defensive coordinator Brian Ward. Last year, he finished with 49tackles, five TFLs and 1 5sacks

• TE Jalin Conyers: Emerged as a major threat late last season and finished with 28catches for 346 yards and three touchdowns Three of those touchdowns came against CU. He’s expected to have a bigger impact this year

• S Chris Edmonds: One of the few returners that could start on defense, he could be a leader for the Sun Devils. He had 48tackles and three interceptions a year ago.

• QB Drew Pyne: There’s no guarantee he will start, but he’s certainly in the mix. At Notre Dame last year, he went 8-2as a starter,

Stanford

Head coach: Troy Taylor, 1st season (30-8career)

2022season: 3-9, 1-8Pac-12

Series with CU: Tied 6-6

The Game

Who: Stanford Cardinal at Colorado Buffaloes

When: Friday, Oct. 13, 8p.m , ESPN

Where: Folsom Field in Boulder

5 Guys to Watch

• Edge David Bailey: Had an impressive freshman year, finishing fourth on the team with 46tackles and leading the Cardinal with 8.5 tackles for loss. He also had 2 5 sacks and two forced fumbles

• LB Gaethan Bernadel: A transfer from Florida International, he led the Panthers with 103tackles last year, while adding eight tackles for loss and 1 5sacks. In two seasons

throwing for 2,021yards with 22 touchdowns and six interceptions

• RB Cameron Skattebo: An FCS All-American and the Big Sky offensive player of the year at Sacramento State last season, he rushed for 1,373yards and seven TDs, averaging 7 0yards per carry. He also caught 31passes for 371yards and three scores

Good to know

• Jordyn Tyson, who led CU in receiving yards as a true freshman in 2022, transferred to ASU in the spring. Tyson caught 22passes for 470yards and four touchdowns last season. He had one of his best games against ASU, with five catches for 115yards and a touchdown, as well as an 88-yard punt return for touchdown

for 113yards, three touchdowns and an interception He threw nine passes as a sophomore last year

• RB EJ Smith: Played in only two games last year because of injury but had impressive numbers, rushing for 206yards and three touchdowns, while averaging 6.9yards per carry

• TE Benjamin Yurosek: One of only two returning starters on offense, he was second-team All-Pac-12last year. He caught 49 passes for 445yards and a touchdown. As a sophomore in 2021, he caught 43passes for 658yards and three touchdowns

at FIU, he had 147tackles, 11 5TFLs and 2 5sacks

• QB Ari Patu: A former four-star recruit, Patu has played sparingly in his two seasons with the Cardinal, but could be the starter this year He has completed 14-of-25passes

Good to know

• Stanford won five straight against the Buffs from 1991-2015(including the first three as Pac-12rivals), but CU has won three straight against the Cardinal The two teams haven’t played since 2020

DAVID ZALUBOWSKI — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Arizona State receiver Elijhah Badger, right, spins away from Colorado safety Trevor Woods in the first half of a game in Boulder on Oct. 29.

TONY AVELAR — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Troy Taylor smiles as he speaks after being introduced as the new head coach at Stanford during a news conference on Dec. 12in Stanford, Calif

UCLA

Head coach: Chip Kelly, 6th season (27-29; 73-36career)

2022season: 9-4, 6-3Pac-12

Series with CU: UCLA leads 13-5

The Game

Who: Colorado Buffaloes at UCLA Bruins

When: Saturday, Oct. 28, TBA

Where: Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif

5 Guys to Watch

• WR Kam Brown: The top returning receiver for the Bruins, he

Oregon State

Head coach: Jonathan Smith, 6th season (26-31)

2022season: 10-3, 6-3 Pac-12

Series with CU: Oregon State leads 7-6

The Game

Who: Oregon State Beavers at Colorado Buffaloes

When: Saturday, Nov 4, TBA

caught 24passes for 362yards and three touchdowns last year, while averaging 15.1yards per catch.

Where: Folsom Field in Boulder

5 Guys to Watch

• OT Joshua Gray: One of the best left tackles in the conference, he earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors last year

• RB Damien Martinez: Pac12 freshman offensive player of the year in 2022, he rushed for 982 yards and nine touchdowns, earning first-team all-conference honors.

• DE Laiatu Latu: One of the best pass rushers around, he was firstteam All-Pac-12in 2022 He finished with 36tackles, 12 5tackles for loss and 10 5sacks He also had nine QB hurries

• QB Dante Moore: The Bruins don’t know who will start at QB, but Moore was a 5-star recruit whose time is coming fairly soon. Whether or not he’s starting on Day 1, he could be the guy by the time the Buffs head to Pasadena

• LB Darius Muasau: Earned second-team All-Pac-12honors last year after leading the team with 91total tackles. He also had

• S Kitan Oladapo: Earned AllPac-12 honorable mention after finishing second on the team with 80 tackles, along with 4 0 tackles for loss, 2 5 sacks and six pass breakups

• OLB Oluwaseyi Omotosho: A transfer from Wyoming, he posted 46 tackles, 7 5 tackles for loss and 6 5 sacks last year as a redshirt freshman for the Cowboys

• QB DJ Uiagalelei: Clemson transfer is expected to take over

three tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions and five QB hurries.

• RB Carson Steele: A year ago, he led the MAC in rushing, with 1,556 yards and 14touchdowns at Ball State. The 6-foot-1, 215-pounder also had 891yards as a freshman in 2021

Good to know

• After a 6-0start to last season, the Bruins went 3-4the rest of the way. The four losses came by a combined 26points, however, including one-score losses to Arizona, USC and Pittsburgh (in the Sun Bowl)

the starting quarterback role He threw for 5,681 yards, 36 touchdowns and 17 interceptions in his three seasons at Clemson two as the full-time starter

Good to know

• Oregon State has reached bowl games in back-to-back seasons for the first time since the 201213 seasons From 2014-20, OSU posted seven consecutive losing seasons

shop cubookstore.com

ROSS D. FRANKLIN — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS UCLA linebacker Laiatu Latu locks in on the ball during the second half of a game against Arizona State on Nov. 5in Tempe, Ariz

Head coach: Jedd Fisch, 3rd season (6-18, 7-19career)

2022season: 5-7, 3-6Pac-12

Series with CU: Buffs lead 16-9

The Game

Who: Arizona Wildcats at Colorado Buffaloes

When: Saturday, Nov. 11, TBA

Where: Folsom Field in Boulder

5 Guys to Watch

• WR Jacob Cowing: A transfer from UTEP last year, he led the Pac-12with 85catches and compiled 1,034receiving yards (fourth) and seven touchdowns

In four college seasons, he has caught 226passes for 3,629 yards

• QB Jayden de Laura: Threw for 3,685yards, 25touchdowns and 13interceptions last year, while also rushing for four scores. In 2021, he was the Pac-12freshman offensive player of the year when he played for Washington State.

• LB Justin Flowe: A transfer from Oregon, he recorded 35 tackles for the Ducks last year He has dealt with injuries in his career, but is aiming to become a leader for the Wildcats

• CB Treydan Stukes: Returning starter compiled 42tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and an interception last year as a sophomore. He has all-conference potential as one of the leaders of the secondary

• RB Michael Wiley: Became the featured back last year, rushing for 771yards and eight scores, while averaging 6 8yards per carry. He also caught 36passes for 349yards and three scores

Good to know

• Two players who went through spring with the Buffaloes are now playing for the Wildcats. Receiver Montana Lemonious-Craig and edge rusher Taylor Upshaw left the Buffs after the spring and are now vying for starting roles in Tucson. Also, Arizona ranked sixth nationally last year in passing yards per game (318 4) The Wildcats were 20th in total offense, at 462 4yards per game. Defensively, they ranked 126th in points allowed (36 5) and 125th in yards allowed (467 7)

Washington State

Head coach: Jake Dickert, 3rd season (10-9)

2022season: 7-6, 4-5Pac-12

Series with CU: Cougars lead 7-6

The Game

Who: Colorado Buffaloes at Washington State Cougars

When: Friday, Nov. 17, 8:30p m MT (FS1)

Where: Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash.

5 Guys to Watch

• DE Brennan Jackson: Second-team All-Pac-12performer last year, he had 41tackles, 12tackles for loss, six sacks, three pass breakups and five quarterback hurries He has 11 5sacks and 22TFLs in his career, with most of that production coming in the last two seasons

• CB Chau Smith-Wade: In his first year as a starter in 2022, he had 43tackles, two interceptions and eight pass breakups, earning All-Pac-12honorable mention He also had three forced fumbles

• DE Ron Stone: After earning first-team All-Pac-12in 2021, his

Utah

Head coach: Kyle Whittingham, 19th season (154-74)

2022season: 10-4, 7-2Pac-12

Series with CU: Utes lead 34-32-3

The Game

Who: Colorado Buffaloes at Utah Utes

When: Saturday, Nov. 25, TBA

Where: Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City

5 Guys to Watch

• S Cole Bishop: Leader of the secondary, he was all-conference honorable mention last year. He led the Utes with 83tackles, while also posting six tackles for loss, one interception and three pass breakups. He had 54tackles, nine TFLs and three sacks as a true freshman in 2021

• RB Ja’Quinden Jackson: The converted quarterback could be the latest in a long line of talented Utah backs. He was third on the team in rushing last year with 531yards, but led the Utes with nine rushing touchdowns and averaged 6 8yards

production slipped last year, but he still earned second-team honors In his career, he has produced 142 tackles, 20 5tackles for loss and 11 sacks. He had four TFLs and two sacks a year ago.

• QB Cameron Ward: After transferring from Incarnate Word last year, Ward completed 64 4% of his passes for 3,231yards, 23touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also rushed for five touchdowns

• RB Nakia Watson: A sixth-year senior, he led WSU with 769yards

and nine touchdowns last year, averaging 5 3yards per carry. The former Wisconsin Badger has rushed for 1,405yards and 14touchdowns in his collegiate career

Good to know

• Cameron Ward was sacked more than any other quarterback in the Pac-12last year, as the Cougars gave up a conference-high 46 sacks. Nationally, only two teams (Akron and Colorado State) gave up more sacks

he’s one of the most dangerous weapons on the Pac-12. He’s been second-team All-Pac-12three times (2019-21) and has caught 148passes for 1,882yards and 16 touchdowns in his career. Also has four rushing touchdowns

• QB Cam Rising: One of the top players in the Pac-12, he was first-team all-conference in 2021 and Pac-12title game MVP last year. Has posted an 18-6record as a starter and over the past two seasons he has thrown for 5,527 yards, 46touchdowns and 13interceptions. He’s also rushed for 964 yards and 12touchdowns

• DT Junior Tafuna: After being named Pac-12defensive freshman of the year in 2021, he earned second-team All-Pac-12honors last year. He posted 27tackles, 3 5 tackles for loss, one sack and an interception last season.

Good to know

per carry

• TE Brant Kuithe: Played in only four games last year before a season-ending injury, but when healthy

• The Utes have finished top three in the Pac-12in scoring defense in each of the past six seasons. Last year, they were second, allowing just 21 4points per game

YOUNG KWAK — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Washington State defensive end Ron Stone Jr , stands on the filed during the first half of a game against Arizona State on Nov. 12in Pullman, Wash

RICK SCUTERI — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Utah defensive tackle Junior Tafuna looks on during the second half of a game against Arizona State on Sept. 24in Tempe, Ariz

Rooney

FROM PAGE 6

wins might be tough.

Win all three, and bowl eligibility becomes more viable.

Ultimately, however, the skill on offense and in the defensive backfield won’t be enough to overcome the Buffs’ deficiencies up front on both sides of the ball

The offensive line has been a sieve for most of the past two decades of struggles at CU.

The Buffs are hoping to solve that problem with a combination of holdovers from last year’s epi-

Offense

FROM PAGE 8

He leads what appears to be a deep and talented group of running backs

The AAC rookie of the year in 2021 while at Houston, McCaskill is fully recovered from a torn ACL that cost him the 2022 season Kavosiey Smoke (Kentucky) and Sy’veon Wilkerson (Jackson State) have been highly produc-

Defense

FROM PAGE 10

He’s worked very hard this summer, along with the entire group ”

The entire group is intriguing because of the competition culture created by Kelly and head coach Deion Sanders.

At safety, Woods was one of the best players for the Buffs in 2022, but he’s battling for a starting job with several newcomers, including Jackson State transfers Shilo Sanders and Cam’ron Silmon-Craig

“We push each other,” Woods said. “A lot of times we have three safeties on the field, sometimes even four. If you can play, coach is gonna put you on the field. It’s a good competition and we all push each other.”

Throughout the entire defense, the Buffs have brought in transfers from 10 different conferences. The common theme is that many of the players on defense come to CU looking to prove themselves at the

cally poor offense and transfers from the Group of Five, FCS and junior college levels.

Shedeur Sanders was impressively durable at Jackson State But the Buffs essentially were out of the market for an experienced quarterback in the transfer portal the moment Coach Prime declared his son as the starter at his introductory press conference. Shedeur going down would be a worse-case scenario for the Buffs

It is equally questionable on the defensive front

Coach Sanders has professed a desire to build his defense from the outside in

He’s done just that by bring-

tive in their college careers, while Anthony Hankerson and Charlie Offerdahl return to the Buffs after being in the rotation last year

Dylan Edwards is another weapon that excites Shedeur Sanders and the Buffs The true freshman running back has blazing speed and might also play at receiver.

“Dylan Edwards is a phenomenal, electrifying player,” Coach Prime said.

With all the potential electric-

ing in the top-rated cornerbacks in each of the past two recruiting classes, Hunter and Cormani McClain

But unless the defensive front proves otherwise, the Buffs might be tasked with winning shootouts.

A 4-8 record might sound uninspiring, but just about any major coach would gladly take a threewin improvement from season to season

Doing so after posting one of the worst Power 5 seasons in recent memory would make it more commendable.

Yet the real turnaround is a year away.

ity on offense, the Buffs might finally have an attack that can light up the scoreboard. Around the country, 54 FBS teams averaged at least 30 points per game in 2022, including seven teams in the Pac-12.

CU has averaged at least 30 points just once in the past 21 seasons (31 1 in 2016), but with Shedeur Sanders leading the way, that could change.

“Shedeur can play the darn game,” Coach Prime said. “Shedeur is smart as a whip and we’ve

myself a better player? The guys that have been in other conferences that are coming, they’ll bring some experience to our team that we need. We welcome that. We’re looking forward to it.”

It’s a group that includes defensive lineman Shane Cokes, who was second team all-Ivy League at Dartmouth; outside linebacker Jordan Domineck, who was top five in the SEC in sacks at Arkansas last year; and former Jackson State stars Jeremiah Brown (linebacker) and Travis Hunter (cornerback)

got to take advantage of that. He’s been very successful before he got here and we’ve got to glean from some of the things that he did to make it to this point and make sure he’s comfortable with the offense.

“And the main thing really, we’ve just got to protect the kid. If we keep him upright, I can’t wait ‘til you see what he does, especially with the plethora of receivers that we have that can straight out ball. And, they can run like the wind.”

in the same direction,” Kelly said before the start of fall camp.

The offense got the better of the defense early in camp, but by the end of the second week, the defense won the day.

Throughout the process, Kelly and the Buffs are developing depth that could allow them to play several players and remain fresh throughout games.

“We’re going to play a lot of guys,” Kelly said. “If there’s people that can play, we’re going to play them That gives us an advantage ”

Power 5 level

“The one thing we have is we’ve gotten a lot of guys that are coming in that have played a lot of football where they’ve been,” Kelly said. “They’ve been in games They’ve been in big games.

“I’m sure a lot of those guys want to be able to prove that, hey, I’m worthy to be at this level. That is important, but I think what our players need to understand is: what can I do every single day to make

Former Florida State Seminoles Bishop Thomas (defensive line), Derrick McLendon II (outside linebacker), Brendan Gant (inside linebacker), Omarion Cooper (cornerback) and Travis Jay (cornerback) are also competing.

Alabama transfers Demouy Kennedy (linebacker) and Jahquez Robinson (defensive back) and former Clemson Tiger LaVonta Bentley (linebacker) will also play significant roles

“Now, we have to make sure everybody is on the same page, going

PAC-12 standings

CLIFF GRASSMICK — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter is part of the upgrade CU has enjoyed at the skill positions

CLIFF GRASSMICK — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Colorado defensive end Sav’ell Smalls works during a practice on Aug. 8in Boulder. The defensive line unit for the Buffs is almost entirely new heading into this season

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: AP TOP 25

Georgia begins quest for third-straight title

Bulldogs receive 60 of 63 first-place votes; Michigan, Ohio State next in preseason poll

By Ralph D. Russo

The Associated Press

Georgia will begin its drive for an unprecedented college football championship three-peat as the No. 1 team in The Associated Press preseason Top 25

The Bulldogs received 60 of 63 first-place votes in the poll released on Aug. 14 to easily outpoint No. 2 Michigan, which received two firstplace votes and has its best preseason rankings since being No. 2 in 1991. The Wolverines’ Big Ten rival, Ohio State, is No 3 with one firstplace vote.

Two more Southeastern Conference teams join Georgia in the top five. Alabama is No. 4, the Crimson Tide’s lowest preseason ranking in more than a decade, and LSU starts at No. 5, its best preseason ranking since 2016

The Bulldogs have won the last two national titles while going 291, but this will be only the second time in program history they have been preseason No 1 The first was in 2008.

Georgia started the 2021 season No 5, before going on to win its first national title since 1980. The Bulldogs followed up with a perfect season in 2022 after being preseason No. 3.

The Bulldogs have had 25 players drafted by NFL teams the last two years, including quarterback Stetson Bennett and All-America defensive tackle Jalen Carter this past April

Coach Kirby Smart has built a program to rival Nick Saban’s Alabama dynasty so voters are now giving Georgia the Crimson Tide treatment.

Alabama had been preseason No 1 each of the last two seasons, and five of the previous seven Clemson was preseason No 1 in the other two seasons, making Georgia the first team other than the Tide or Tigers to be preseason No. 1 since Ohio State in 2015.

Alabama is also the last team to win back-to-back major college football national championships, doing so in 2011 and ‘12

No team has won three straight national titles during the AP poll era, which dates to 1936 For the record, Minnesota, the first official AP champion, was retroactively crowned champion for the 1934 and ‘35 seasons by a couple of organizations

Coach Bernie Bierman’s Gophers from long ago are the closest thing major college football has to a threepeater.

“We have not addressed that with them,” Smart said during SEC media days of chasing college football history “We’ve certainly looked at some three-peat scenarios of teams like the Bulls and different sports teams that they might actually know about. No offense to the Minnesota 1935 team, but I don’t know if it’s going to resonate with my audience.”

The Bulldogs are reloading on the defensive front and at quarterback, but do not lack for stars. Tight end Brock Bowers is one of the nation’s best players; linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson was a second-team All-American; and center Sedrick Van Pran anchors one of the country’s most talented offensive lines.

Rounding out the top 10 is South-

ern California at No 6, which is the Trojans’ best preseason ranking since 2017, followed by Penn State, Florida State, Clemson and Washington.

The Seminoles are back in the preseason rankings for the first time since 2018, and in the top 10 for the first time since 2017

Starting on top, staying on top

Beware, ‘Dawgs.

Since the AP preseason poll started in 1950, 11 teams that started No 1 also finished No 1. Only two of those have occurred since 2000: Southern California in 2004 and Alabama in 2017.

“The threat for us is complacency,” Smart said “The first thing you have to do is acknowledge that it’s a threat Like if you acknowledge the complacency is a threat, it’s the first step towards stomping it out.”

Tide’s out ... of the top three

For most schools, a preseason No. 4 ranking would feel good

For Alabama, it feels like a sign of decline. The last time the Crimson Tide had a lower preseason ranking was 2009. That was Year 3 for Saban in Tuscaloosa, and Alabama went

College football

The Top 25 teams in The Associated Press college football preseason poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote, and previous ranking:

on to win the first of six national championships during his unprecedented run.

This preseason poll is the first since 2015 in which the Tide did not receive at least one first-place vote.

Conference call

SEC 6 (Nos 1, 4, 5, 12, 22, 23)

Big Ten — 5 (Nos. 2, 3, 7, 19, 25).

Pac-12— 5 (Nos 6, 10, 14, 15, 18)

Big 12 4 (Nos 11, 16, 17, 20)

ACC 3 (Nos 8, 9, 21)

American Athletic 1 (No 24)

Independent 1 (No 13)

If sorted by next season’s conference alignment the breakdown looks like this:

SEC 8 (Nos 1, 4, 5, 11, 12, 20, 22, 23).

Big Ten — 8 (Nos 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 15, 19, 25)

Big 12 3 (Nos 14, 16, 17)

ACC — 3 (Nos. 8, 9, 21).

Pac-12— 1 (No 18) counts Oregon State as a Pac-12team)

American Athletic— 1 (No. 24)

Independent — 1 (No 13)

ASHLEY LANDIS — ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE

Georgia players celebrate a win over TCU in the national championship game on Jan. 9in Inglewood, Calif

Hartman leads list of notable transfers

By Steve Megargee

The Associated Press

Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman won’t get a chance to add to his Atlantic Coast Conference record for career touchdown passes in his final season.

But the former Wake Forest star’s new stop will allow him to face plenty of familiar foes.

Hartman opted to use his final season of college eligibility at Notre Dame after five productive seasons at Wake Forest, where he threw an ACC record 110 touchdown passes. His 12,967 career yards passing at Wake Forest rank second in ACC history.

He hopes that showing he can succeed with two separate programs will catch the eye of NFL teams when he enters the draft next year.

“This is what you have to do when you go into the league, is come into a new place where there’s not a lot of familiar faces,” Hartman said after making the move.

Notre Dame’s schedule includes a meeting with Hartman’s former team, as the 13th-ranked Fighting Irish host Wake Forest on Nov 18

Some other transfers to watch:

WR/CB Travis Hunter (Jackson State to Colorado)

Hunter was the nation’s consensus No. 1 recruit in his class back in December 2021 when he made headlines by backing out of a verbal commitment to Florida State and instead choosing to play for Deion Sanders at Jackson State. He followed Sanders from Jackson State to Colorado Hunter played both wide receiver and cornerback at Jackson State last year and was a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award given annually to the top Football Championship Subdivision freshman.

CB Fentrell Cypress II (Virginia to Florida State)

Cypress is perhaps the most notable of No. 8 Florida State’s 15 transfer additions He led the ACC with 14 total pass breakups last season and was named second-team

all-conference by The Associated Press. Cypress played nine games last year, and his 1.6 pass breakups per game led all Football Bowl Subdivision players.

QB Devin Leary (N.C. State to Kentucky)

Leary played just six games last year before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, but he has 6,807 career yards passing and owns a 17-9 record as a starter His best season came in 2021, when he threw for 3,433 yards with 35 touchdowns and just five interceptions.

LB Dasan McCullough (Indiana to Oklahoma)

McCullough appeared on numerous freshman All-America teams last year, as he collected 6 ½ tackles for loss and four sacks his lone season at Indiana. That performance backed up the reputation that accompanied him to Indiana, as McCullough was rated as the nation’s No 75 overall prospect in his class according to composite rankings of recruiting sites compiled by 247Sports. He now joins his younger brother, defensive back Daeh McCullough, at Oklahoma

Now he joins the sixth-ranked Trojans after earning AP first-team all-Pac-12 honors for Arizona last

season Singer had 66 catches for 1,105 yards and six touchdowns a year ago.

WR

Adonai Mitchell (Georgia to Texas)

Mitchell missed nine games due to an ankle injury last season but returned in time to catch a touchdown pass in each of Georgia’s two College Football Playoff games, helping the Bulldogs win their second straight national title Mitchell had 29 receptions for 426 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman in 2021 He should team up with 2022 AP second-team all-Big 12 selection Xavier Worthy to give Texas a talented receiver tandem.

WR

Dorian Singer (Arizona to USC)

USC certainly knows how much Singer can bother a defense. He caught seven passes for 141 yards and three touchdowns in a 45-37 loss to USC last season.

LUCAS PELTIER — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Colorado wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter smiles during Pac-12 media day on July 21in Las Vegas. Hunter was the nation’s consensus No. 1recruit in his class in December 2021