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TheColorado Buffaloes have stumbled early this season, with an unexpected home loss to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets raising major concerns for Deion Sanders' squad. Nevertheless, a bounce-back victory over the Delaware Blue Hens gave the Buffaloes some breathing room and signs of improvement in their game.
Although the 31-7 victory was a much-needed boost, Deion Sanders' Colorado Buffaloes were far from convincing, with the result arguably masking deeper issues. While defeating the Blue Hens was expected in their first Football Bowl Subdivision season, Colorado's defensive line revealed concerning cracks that raise questions moving forward.
That is why Deion Sanders' Colorado Buffaloes must improve their overall play and build confidence across every unit. However, if Sanders truly wants to refine his coaching style and elevate the team, he will need to pay closer attention to this critical area of the field, before the debut in the Big 12 conference against the Houston Cougars.
The key area 'Coach Prime' must improve for Colorado Buffaloes
The Colorado Buffaloes showed a different side in their game against the Blue Hens, capitalizing on opportunities and turning them into points on the scoreboard. Nevertheless, cracks in the defensive line were evident at times, exposing an area that still needs urgent improvement.
The Delaware Blue Hens exposed Colorado's weaknesses, racking up 396 total yards, nearly matching the Buffaloes' offensive output. While the run defense showed progress by holding Delaware to just 2.8 yards per carry, the secondary struggled badly against a pass-heavy attack, raising fresh concerns for Deion Sanders' defense.
Colorado's defensive backfield had a rough outing, with veterans like Preston Hodge, DJ McKinney, and Carter Stoutmire all faltering in coverage. Although standouts Ben Finneseth and Makari Vickers offered flashes of promise, the Buffaloes must prioritize forcing opponents out of rhythm and tackling in space if they want to meet lofty defensive expectations in the Big 12.
Colorado Buffaloes must sharpen offensive play calling
One of the most debated issues surrounding the Colorado Buffaloes' performances has been their offensive play-calling. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur's conservative approach-relying heavily on RPOs and screens, has limited the team's scoring ability and raised questions about the unit's creativity and efficiency.
One major concern has been Pat Shurmur's lack of adjustments since Shedeur Sanders left, as his system has created issues with Kaidon Salter's play-calling and possibly caused confusion within the offense. To avoid further setbacks, Shurmur must find new solutions and improve the unit's efficiency ahead of Friday's Big 12 opener, when Deion Sanders' Buffaloes face the Houston Cougars.