On Sept. 16, 2023, all was nicely in Boulder, Colo.
After an exhilarating time beyond regulation victory over Colorado State, Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes had been 3-0, ranked No. 19 and had been the discuss of the faculty soccer world.
Only one week later, nonetheless, the Buffaloes had been blown out by the Oregon Geese, seeing each their hype and season come crashing right down to earth on the pace of sunshine.
That 42-6 loss set the wheels in movement for an unbelievable collapse final fall. Sanders and Colorado completed the season with a 4-8 file and Buffs followers had been left questioning the way it all went fallacious.
Whereas each new season is a contemporary begin, it looks as if the shortage of momentum from 2023 has carried over to 2024 as Colorado’s lackluster efficiency in opposition to Nebraska confirmed on Saturday.
Matt Rhule and the Cornhuskers deserve credit score for a powerful 28-10 victory, however Colorado’s lack of depth and physicality was painfully apparent on an evening when Sanders might solely helplessly watch on.
Sanders deserved his flowers for his time as head coach at Jackson State from 2020-22, but when it wasn’t apparent in 2023 that he isn’t prepared for the intense lights of Energy 4 soccer, Saturday’s sport was simply one other instance.
It is not as if Colorado remains to be trotting out gamers from its 1-11 squad in 2022, both. Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter are each potential NFL prospects, and Sanders’ status as a soccer legend has introduced in a number of proficient gamers who’re able to profitable video games within the Large 12.
Sadly, whether or not or not it’s the tradition, tangible points with the teaching employees or an absence of big-game expertise, Sanders and the Buffs have not been capable of put any outcomes collectively since September 2023. A flimsy 31-26 season-opening win over North Dakota State did little to quiet the questions in Boulder, and Saturday’s end result solely bolstered the narrative that Colorado merely is not constructed to be a contender.
It could be true {that a} coach who solely has 14 video games underneath his belt at a Energy 4 college should not be put underneath such an intense microscope, however when a program is as overvalued and promoted as Colorado, that is only a perk (or a detriment, relying on outcomes) of the job.
The one approach for Sanders and Colorado to regain credibility? Win soccer video games. A house matchup with Colorado State awaits subsequent Saturday with bouts in opposition to Large 12 heavyweights Kansas State, Utah and Oklahoma State looming.
The Buffs have time to show this season round, however Sanders’ honeymoon is formally over.