3 Games Deion Sanders' Colorado football program can't afford to lose in 2024
Deion Sanders' Colorado football program doesn't have the loftiest of goals in 2024. Six wins and a bowl game is all Coach Prime was willing to promise CU superfan Peggy Coppom at the Black and Gold spring game. And that's a good thing for the long-term health of the program. Having unrealistic expectations would make every defeat feel more damning.
Six wins is the natural progression from the three-win improvement the Buffs had in 2023 over their one-win 2022 disaster campaign. But where are those six wins coming from in a loaded and largely evenly distributed Big 12?
These three games have to be part of the mix if any goals will be reached.
North Dakota State
Colorado would be in quite some trouble if they couldn't hold off two-score underdog North Dakota State from the FCS in Week 1. Not only would Coach Prime have to overcome legendary trolling and do damage control for a narrative that'd end up beyond his grasp, but the Buffs would have negative momentum heading into Lincoln in Week 2 for a clash with Nebraska.
That matchup with the Huskers is an uphill climb. It'd seem insurmountable if Colorado was coming into it having been (more than likely) outlasted by a speedier, smaller Bison frontline in Week 1.
CSU
Colorado State ended up being the climax of the 2023 season since 3-0 became 4-8. At this point, it looks like it could be a needed rebound matchup this season for a Buffs squad coming back from a trip to Nebraska; currently favored by more than a score.
CSU got a boost from "Prime Time" which no other school can claim. The Rocky Mountain Showdown had unbelievable juice because of Sanders and Rams head coach Jay Norvell's call-out of how Coach Prime was raised.
In 2024, the sequel looks like it'll be just as good, if not better. Fort Collins better be ready for it.
Like North Dakota State in the FCS, CSU is a step down in competition to the Group of 5. Colorado will have most advantages on the Rams but can't take their in-state rival for granted.
Cincinnati
Cincinnati's Big 12 debut was a disaster, and their second year under Scott Satterfield isn't guaranteed to be much better.
They handled the QB position with Indiana transfer Brendan Sorsby but Tyson Veidt has his work cut out in overseeing a defense up to the task of handling Big 12 offenses.
Projected to be a bottom-feeder, the Bearcats may be the Buffs' easiest Big 12 foe on the schedule. Not handling that business at home would set a cursed tone for the final stretch of the 2024 season.