Colorado vs. North Dakota State live stream, where to watch, TV channel, odds, spread, prediction, pick
It’s “prime time” again in Colorado, but will the Deion Sanders-led Buffaloes’ sequel prove better than the original? Colorado rebuilt its roster again under Sanders, adding 42 transfers to counter 41 departures into the portal. That’s not exactly a huge change from 2023 when the Buffs added 52 players, but it’s pretty close — and it’s the most turnover in the FBS for the second year in a row.
Colorado got off to a hot start last year at 3-0 and cracked the AP Top 25, but the Buffs stole the spotlight and finished 1-8 thanks to a poor offensive line performance despite having superstar Shedure Sanders at quarterback. Sanders replaced offensive coordinator Sean Lewis, now the coach at San Diego State, midway through the season and hired Robert Livingston to coordinate the defense late in the year. More importantly, the second-year coach put a lot of focus on building a bigger and stronger roster in the trenches after being pressured last season.
This year’s season opener may not have the glitz and glamour of last year’s matchup with 2022 national runner-up TCU, but North Dakota State Boulder has an FCS powerhouse capable of challenging Colorado. NDSU has won nine national titles since 2011 and has beaten six of its last seven FBS opponents.
“They’re good,” Sanders said at Big 12 Media Days in July. “They’re really good. And I’m mad at (athletic director) Rick (George) for including them in the schedule, being open with them. Like, can you give me a layup or something? Those guys are great. His staff has always been one of the best. A lot of guys have matriculated from that staff to go on to higher levels. Those kids work hard. They play hard. They don’t make a lot of mistakes.”
How to watch Colorado vs. North Dakota State live
date: Thursday, August 29 | Time: 8 p.m. ET
Place: Folsom Field – Boulder, Colorado
TV: ESPN | Live Stream: fubo (try it free)
Colorado vs. North Dakota State: Things to know
Colorado is better aheadThe Buffs were terrible in the trenches last season, ranking near the bottom of the FBS in sacks allowed (52) and rushing (68.9 yards per game). The defensive line didn’t fare much better either, and a lack of push up front didn’t help one of the worst pass defenses in the country on the backstretch.
Eight of the 10 offensive linemen from last year’s roster are gone. They’ve been replaced by a couple of starters from other Power Four programs and Jordan Sitton, the nation’s No. 1 high school offensive lineman. The defense, led by new coordinator Robert Livingston, returns four Power Four starters to the line, including Pittsburgh’s Deion Hayes and Samuel Okunlola. The Buffs should be much better on the offensive and defensive lines, helping the talented Shedeur Sanders score even bigger numbers after some great passing performances last season. On the other side of the ball, star cornerback Travis Hunter should benefit from more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
This is not normal NDSU: NDSU is a great FCS program, but it’s also in a state of transition. Head coach Matt Entz left in December to become USC’s linebackers coach, clearing the way for Wyoming offensive coordinator Tim Polasek to take over. NDSU lost four games and ended its season in the 2023 FCS semifinals. Although Shedeur Sanders will be in the spotlight on Thursday, Bison signal caller Cam Miller is just as impressive. He threw 32 touchdowns against just four interceptions last season.
A fight worth watchingThe Bison’s rushing attack could be the deciding factor against Colorado’s new defensive line. NDSU averaged 237.5 yards per game on the ground last season, producing the FCS’ third-best scoring offense (38.1 points per game), but the Bison lost their starting running back and three offensive linemen from last season.
Colorado vs. North Dakota State prediction, picks
Expectations have diminished outside of Colorado, but there’s still excitement in Boulder. Deion Sanders wants a more balanced attack after the push for his son, Shedeur, to throw the ball in 2023. NDSU provides a great first test for the revamped offense, especially on the field. While North Dakota State has experience and plenty of elite FCS talent, Buffalo has proven Power Four starters at every position on the field, unlike last season. This is a better Colorado team and the Buffs will prove it. Pick: Colorado -9.5
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