Year four of the Deion Sanders era at Colorado begins Thursday night against Georgia Tech at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta. The Buffaloes, who finished last season with a 3-9 record, face low expectations, leading to speculation about Sanders' tenure.
Bookmakers have installed Colorado as a 6.5-point underdog against Georgia Tech for the Week 1 matchup. Sanders has brought in numerous new players, a strategy that proved successful in the past, despite last year's performance. Quarterback Julian Lewis returns after a promising showing at the end of last season. He is expected to lead an offense bolstered by high-potential receivers and several Power 4 offensive linemen acquired through the transfer portal. The team also faces defensive challenges with a revamped unit, but the coaching staff has recruited portal talent with the hope of a strong performance.
Georgia Tech, under head coach Brent Key, is looking to build on previous seasons. However, the team ranks 79th in returning production. Both offensive and defensive coordinators have departed, a significant change for an offense that had become a notable unit. Buster Faulkner, the former offensive coordinator, saw his stock rise at Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets will see Alberto Mendoza, brother of Fernando Mendoza, take over at quarterback. Despite Key's track record, the coaching staff changes and turnover suggest potential challenges for Georgia Tech.
Colorado is predicted to cover the 6.5-point spread. Despite a challenging outlook on paper for the Buffaloes, the game is anticipated to be more difficult for Georgia Tech than initial odds suggest.