Josh Pate lists two main reasons why Colorado football is so much better this season

Josh Pate sees Colorado football's success not only as the product of Heisman-level play from both Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders. but also because of strong trench play on both sides of the ball and the subsequent effect on the running game that's had.

"Shedeur & Hunter are predictably having big years," Pate tweeted. "But Colorado has run the ball better & greatly improved defensively. Shedeur & Hunter are predictably having big years. But Colorado has run the ball better & greatly improved defensively."

Colorado's running game is by far the biggest improvement this year. Isaiah Augustave is the clear RB1. He needs just 50 yards to surpass last year's rushing leader, Dylan Edwards, in just his ninth game. Augustave also has just 13 fewer carries. It's possible Augustave surpasses 2023 Edwards in both during the Texas Tech game on November 9.

Defensively, Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig stepped up for CU to help the Buffs achieve a three-game win streak following Shilo Sanders' injury during the Nebraska game. Nikhai Hill-Green has been a pivotal transfer portal addition. DJ McKinney and Preston Hodge have been key additions in the secondary.

Coach Prime fixed many holes in the transfer portal. That's why the Buffs are winning.

Shedeur Sanders has taken a step back in 2024 for Colorado football

Shedeur has already doubled his interception total from 2023. He has six through eight games. He had three through 10 and a half games last year.

This isn't an indictment on Sanders either. Winning isn't all on a QB -- pass protection, the run game, and defense all factors in just as much as Pate points out -- but it defines QBs from a narrative perspective.

So with a 6-2 record, Shedeur already has the narrative he needs to be seen as a top 2025 NFL draft prospect.