As the Colorado Buffaloes begin their second year under the guidance of head coach Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders, all eyes are on Boulder as they face off against the North Dakota State Bison in a prime-time matchup. This Thursday, August 29th, at 6 p.m., Folsom Field will be the battleground for this season opener, which also marks Colorado’s return to the Big 12 Conference.
North Dakota State is no stranger to success, boasting an impressive 82-18 postseason record and 17 national titles, including nine FCS championships in just over a decade. The Bison are currently ranked No. 2 in the FCS, making them a formidable opponent for the Buffs. Colorado, however, enters the game as the favorite, with a 9.5-point advantage according to BetMGM's college football odds.
One of the key highlights for Colorado this season is the introduction of a new, massive videoboard at Folsom Field. This videoboard, which is over five times larger than the previous one, is part of a $15 million project aimed at enhancing the game day experience. CU Athletic Director Rick George emphasized the importance of this upgrade, stating that the new board will significantly elevate the atmosphere at Folsom Field.
The Buffaloes are looking to capitalize on the momentum built last season, especially with the return of star players like Heisman Trophy candidates Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. Coach Prime has also added 55 new scholarship players during the offseason, with the goal of guiding the team to bowl eligibility in 2024.
Colorado's 2024 football schedule is packed with exciting matchups, including games against Nebraska, Colorado State, Baylor, and Kansas State. The team’s early success in securing national TV coverage on major networks like ESPN, NBC, CBS, and ABC reflects the high expectations surrounding the Buffs this season. Additionally, the Buffs have sold out season tickets for the second consecutive year, a testament to the excitement generated by Coach Prime’s leadership.
On the other side of the field, North Dakota State is gearing up under the leadership of their new head coach, Tim Polasek. Polasek, who previously served as the offensive coordinator at Wyoming, returns to NDSU with a mission to restore the Bison’s reputation as a tough, disciplined team. Key players to watch include quarterback Cam Miller, who led NDSU with an impressive 72% completion rate last season, and several All-American candidates.
The game will be broadcast live on ESPN, with radio coverage on 850 KOA, ensuring fans won’t miss a minute of the action. For those looking to attend the game, tickets are still available on the CU Buffs ticket website.
As the Buffs prepare to take on one of the most successful programs in FCS history, the excitement is palpable. With Coach Prime at the helm, Colorado is poised to make a statement in their return to the Big 12, starting with a high-stakes showdown against the Bison.
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