College Football Analyst Predicts Colorado Buffaloes' Fate

The Colorado Buffaloes are 1-2 to start the season, heading into their final non-conference game. Colorado coach Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes have a battle ahead. While it is not impossible to turn things around, one college football analyst expressed his concerns over the future of the season.

Apr 4, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders speaks to the media at the University of Colorado NFL Showcase at the CU Indoor Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ciaglo-Imagn Images | Michael Ciaglo-Imagn Images

After starting the season 1-2, going 0-1 in Big 12 conference play, the Colorado Buffaloes will have a lot to overcome for the remainder of the season. Colorado coach Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes are entering their final non-conference game, and a win is crucial.

While a 1-2 record is not impossible to come back from, it will require quick adjustments, as the team cannot afford to lose many more games to stay bowl eligible. Following week three of the season, college football analyst Paul Finebaum appeared on "The Matt Barrie Show" and was asked what Colorado’s future is.

How Finebaum Predicts Colorado’s Future

Oct 5, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; SEC Nation analyst Paul Finebaum looks on prior to the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Missouri Tigers at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images. | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Finebaum kept his description honest while emphasizing that he does root for Sanders as a person, noting everything the Colorado coach has overcome this past year.

“It’s certainly, in the short term, pretty bleak,” Finebaum answered. “It was sad to watch that the other night. I think what Deion has overcome, I think everybody in the country pulls for him. But they’re not going to be a factor the rest of the season. And I just don’t know how Deion, battling everything else he’s been battling, will be able to battle that.”

Finebaum is referencing Sanders’ battle with bladder cancer, which kept him away from the team for quite some time in the offseason. Fortunately, Sanders overcame that battle, as he announced in July. 

Sep 12, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

“Because he’s so used to the spotlight and there’s never been anybody better with the bright lights on. But, when you lose a couple of games like this, and you’re treading water, you’re not going to garner a lot of attention the rest of the way,” Finebaum continued.

Offensive Struggles Continue

When looking at the two losses that the Buffaloes have suffered this season, there are common factors. One is that the offense is not gaining enough momentum in games to drive down the field and score.

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Aug 29, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during the first quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

In the team’s first loss, Colorado did put up 20 points, but Georgia Tech gave up multiple turnovers in the first quarter that the Buffaloes' offense did not capitalize on.

In the second loss, Colorado scored just 14 points, with both touchdowns coming in the second quarter. It was Colorado quarterback Ryan Staub’s first start with the team after leading Colorado to a win in week 2. After the offense struggled again against the Houston Cougars, Colorado is expected to go back to the team’s original week 1 starter, quarterback Kaidon Salter.

Roster Turnover Still An Issue For Colorado?

Aug 29, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Colorado Buffaloes lost several players from the 2024 roster. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, reigning Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, and three other wide receivers moved on to the NFL. In addition to Hunter, the team lost several players on the defensive side of the ball, including last year’s leading tackler Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig. 

The challenge is not just replacing the players lost, but getting the current roster on the same page and building chemistry together. That is one of the challenges with rotating quarterbacks, as the team has had to have three different players under center.

Switching back to Salter, who won the quarterback competition over the summer, could help with that. Salter can provide consistency, but only time will tell if Sanders continues to rotate the quarterbacks.

Despite it only being week 4, the matchup against Wyoming could be considered a must-win for Colorado. Falling to 1-3 with only conference opponents remaining is a tough battle. A 2-2 can keep the hope alive and help shift the momentum.

Colorado and Wyoming will kick off on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 8:15 p.m. MT at Folsom Field.