On Sept. 16, 2023, all was effectively in Boulder, Colo.
After an exhilarating time beyond regulation victory over Colorado State, Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes have been 3-0, ranked No. 19 and have been the speak of the school soccer world.
Only one week later, nevertheless, the Buffaloes have been blown out by the Oregon Geese, seeing each their hype and season come crashing all the way down to earth on the velocity 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 have been left questioning the way it all went improper.
Whereas each new season is a recent begin, it looks like 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 formidable 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 is not prepared for the brilliant lights of Energy 4 soccer, Saturday’s recreation was simply one other instance.
It isn’t 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’ popularity as a soccer legend has introduced in a bunch of proficient gamers who’re able to successful video games within the Massive 12.
Sadly, whether or not it’s the tradition, tangible points with the teaching workers 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 consequence solely strengthened the narrative that Colorado merely is not constructed to be a contender.
It might be true {that a} coach who solely has 14 video games beneath his belt at a Energy 4 college should not be put beneath such an intense microscope, however when a program is as puffed up and promoted as Colorado, that is only a perk (or a detriment, relying on outcomes) of the job.
The one means 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 Massive 12 heavyweights Kansas State, Utah and Oklahoma State looming.
The Buffs have time to show this season round, however Sanders’ honeymoon is formally over.
