The Colorado Buffaloes ended their season with a 23-17 loss to Utah at Rice-Eccles Stadium, marking their sixth consecutive defeat. The team's overall record for the season stood at 4-8, with a 1-8 record in Pac-12 play. The Buffaloes were without their injured starting quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, and instead, true freshman Ryan Staub made his starting debut, finishing 17-for-25 for 195 yards and a touchdown.
Despite the disappointing end to the season, Coach Deion Sanders expressed optimism about the team's future, stating that the Buffaloes are 'heading in the right direction' and 'trending forward'. However, the first year of Sanders' tenure as coach was not without its challenges. Failures included the neglect of the offensive line, a devastating loss to Stanford, and numerous unforced errors. On the other hand, there were also successes such as a promising start to the season, an upgrade in talent, and generating significant hype for the team.
Looking ahead to the next season, there are differing opinions on the team's prospects. While Sanders remains positive, some anonymous coordinators and assistant coaches within the Pac-12 Conference expressed pessimism about the Buffaloes' chances for improvement. The team's weaknesses, particularly in the offensive and defensive line, and the lack of depth in the roster were highlighted as areas of concern. Additionally, potential departures from Sanders' coaching staff could impact the team's performance.
Sanders' recruitment strategy and the potential impact of the transfer portal on the team's future were also discussed. The transfer portal could provide an opportunity for the team to bolster its roster and address some of its weaknesses. However, it remains to be seen how these factors will play out in the upcoming season.