Colorado Buffaloes vs North Dakota State
The Colorado Buffaloes opened their 2024 season with a much-anticipated matchup against the North Dakota State Bison on August 29, 2024. This game was particularly intriguing as it featured a clash between Colorado’s high-profile talent, led by head coach Deion Sanders, and the consistent, physical play of the Bison, who are perennial contenders in the FCS.
Game Overview and Key Players: Colorado, coming off a 4-8 season, is looking to establish a stronger foothold in the Big 12, with high expectations surrounding quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who had an impressive 2023 season with over 3,200 passing yards. Colorado’s new additions, especially on the offensive line and defense, are expected to make an immediate impact.
The Colorado Buffaloes began their 2024 season with a convincing win over the North Dakota State Bison, securing a 35-20 victory at Folsom Field. The game was marked by standout performances, particularly from Colorado’s quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who threw for over 320 yards and three touchdowns, solidifying his place as one of the most dynamic players in college football.
Colorado is trailing at the half in their season opener vs. NDSU đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/Gq0AicqR2H
— ESPN (@espn) August 30, 2024
The first half was a closely contested affair, with North Dakota State utilizing their strong run game to control the clock and keep the score tight. Cam Miller, the Bison’s quarterback, executed the game plan effectively, contributing both through the air and on the ground. By halftime, the score was 14-10 in favor of Colorado, indicating the competitive nature of the matchup.
However, the second half saw Colorado’s superior athleticism and depth come to the fore. The Buffaloes’ defense, led by the versatile Travis Hunter, made key stops, forcing North Dakota State into several three-and-outs. This allowed Colorado to extend their lead in the third quarter, with Sanders connecting on two deep touchdown passes that effectively put the game out of reach.
North Dakota State managed to add a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough to mount a serious comeback. Colorado’s defense held strong, and the Buffaloes’ offense continued to exploit mismatches, particularly in the secondary, which struggled to contain the speed and skill of Colorado’s wide receivers.
That’s our ball. pic.twitter.com/ptsrht8ZUD
— NDSU Football (@NDSUfootball) August 30, 2024
The final score of 35-20 reflected Colorado’s ability to execute in crucial moments and highlighted the potential of Deion Sanders’ squad as they prepare for a tough Big 12 schedule. The win also gave a glimpse into the challenges that Colorado’s future opponents might face, especially if the Buffaloes can maintain this level of performance.
North Dakota State, although an FCS team, presented a formidable challenge with their run-first offense led by quarterback Cam Miller. The Bison’s physicality and game management through clock control were key strategies they hoped to leverage against Colorado’s speed and talent.
Game Analysis: The game was a test of Colorado’s revamped roster and coaching against North Dakota State’s disciplined and consistent approach. Despite the Bison’s strengths, Colorado’s superior talent and depth were anticipated to create mismatches that the Bison struggled to counter. The Buffaloes were expected to pull away in the second half, capitalizing on their athletic advantage and home-field momentum.
Analysts projected that while both teams have capable offenses, the overall pace of the game might lead to a lower score than some expected. This was primarily due to North Dakota State’s strategy of controlling the clock and limiting Colorado’s offensive opportunities​.
In conclusion, this matchup was a showcase of Colorado’s ambitions under Coach Prime and NDSU’s enduring FCS prowess, providing an exciting start to the 2024 college football season.