Was only playing this game if it got to 10.5. Not so sure that FCS powerhouse North Dakota State doesn't win outright as Colorado has overhauled the roster other than Deion's sons and Travis Hunter. Our model doesn't simulate games with FCS teams, but others I have checked all have this pretty close. Massey has Buffs by 3, Sagarin by 7.5 and ESPN's SP+ by 2.5. If you read today's premium newsletter, I told you that the uniformed masses/Deion fans are yet again stupidly betting tons of $$ on Buffs futures like to win the Big 12 or reach the playoff (LOL) ... and on this game. This will be the hardest I will root for an FCS school since App State won at Michigan.

Colorado closed out last season with a steep decline by losing their final six games. Expectations are much different going into this season, and the pressure is on Coach Deion Sanders. They’ll be improved but this spread has rose far to much for an opening season game. Take the points with North Dakota State now getting a double digit spread.

Year two of Colorado under Deion Sanders begins with North Dakota State in the opener where the Buffs are big favorites. They've got 51 new players and it looks to be a similar situation as last year except we know that Colorado failed after a 3-0 start only to win one game the rest of the way. That thought is still embedded, but the quick start is something I could see again. Can they recreate some of that magic for their first game? I think so and I think the win by at least 17 over North Dakota State while still showing some of their immaturity. Colorado to cover.

I'm getting 10 points here with a battle tested team returning 9 of 12 all-conference players (albeit in FCS) vs. an overrated Colorado team. Deion Sanders should be worrying about this game instead of the local media. I'll play the spread though I think an major upset might be brewing. NDSU 33, Colorado 30.

Armed with the best QB in college football behind a revamped offensive line and backfield, the Colorado Buffaloes should be significantly better this season. Add the fact they've made improvements along the defensive line as well, and they'll be more than ready to handle whatever the Bison throws at them.

AD Rick George did Coach Prime no favors when he scheduled North Dakota State to open the 2024 season. The Bison are a powerhouse at the FCS level, and have been regularly churning out NFL talent for the last two decades. Both teams will have new looks in 2024 with NDSU breaking in a new coach and CU going through another roster overhaul. Travis Hunter will be the best player on the field and Shedeur Sanders is one of the top QB's in the country. The Buffs will only be as successful as their re-tooled OL and DL allow them to be, though. I expect NDSU to physically test the Buffs, but in the end I like the Buffs to win by 6-7 points.