The Colorado Buffaloes enter 2024 not as the darlings of the college football world but as the butt of jokes.
Coach Deion Sanders boasted last year that other college football teams “better get me now” and that 2023 would be “the worst we’re going to be.”
That remains to be seen after the team was mostly unsuccessful in recruiting big-time transfers, landing zero five-star transfers and losing 37 three-star transfers while gaining 33, according to 247 Sports.
Surely the team was looking to do better than they did after going 4-8 last season.
Sanders added eight four-star transfers (lost one, DB Cormani McClain), four of which are defensive linemen.
Shedeur Sanders, the presumptive top quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft, also has a new left tackle at his disposal in recruit Jordan Seaton, alongside four-star transfer receiver Will Sheppard.
Last year, the Buffaloes started 3-0 before their season came crashing down on them once Pac-12 play started.
This year — as Colorado enters the Big 12 — the Buffaloes’ over/under comes in at 5.5 with significant juice towards the over coming in at -130 on BetMGM.
2024 college football predictions: Colorado Buffaloes
Sanders has fostered a unique environment which has included disrespecting his offensive line last year, kicking other talented players to the curb and refusing to answer questions from CBS.
The Buffaloes coach has made this all very controversial, but in theory they should be better than they were in 2023.
They return their two-way cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter and bring in Sheppard, who could be their best receiver.
When checking out their schedule, Colorado should have a layup win against North Dakota State and some winnable games from the following batch: Nebraska, Colorado State, Texas Tech, Cincinnati and Baylor.
Then, they are projected to be coin flips against a few others.
In order to hit an over 5.5, they might need an upset over Central Florida, Utah or Kansas State.
Expect Sanders to win more than six games this year with all the talent and the easier schedule to end the year.
If looking for an extreme long shot, you’re hoping for a 4-0 start with a win over one of Arizona and Kansas State.
Any team making the CFP will need double-digit wins at a minimum and at least one impressive win on their schedule.
Given the expansion of the tournament in college football, it’s nearly guaranteed that a few teams will squeak in that no one saw coming.
Betting on College Football?
A chance to beat preseason-ranked Arizona or Kansas State gives them the juice to make that a reality if they start strong.
Squint your eyes and imagine perhaps the most shocking storyline in college football history happening in this extreme long shot that could have some legs.
PICK: Colorado over 6.5 wins (+185, DraftKings) | To make college football playoff (20/1, FanDuel)