Intriguing Game– NCAA Football, Week One
Colorado Buffaloes at (17) TCU Horned Frogs
Colorado: December 3rd, 2022. Before that day, the rumors were circulating that Deion Sanders would be leaving what he built up in Mississippi at Jackson State to take a D1 coaching job at the next level. On that Saturday in December last year, he announced to his team that he would be accepting the job. Everyone was in an uproar and I get it because people are definitely entitled to their own opinion on situations. However, Deion said in an interview that if he were offered a job at the next level (D1), he’d take it so what exactly are we mad at? Since I started analyzing college football full time in 2012, I’ve seen some off-seasons where teams were talked about heavily before even taking the field, but not to this magnitude and this is because an all-time great and well-known guy in the football community is on the sidelines. I can guarantee you that if this were anyone else, the Colorado Buffaloes would not be getting all this attention. I like the mentality Coach Prime is attempting to instill within his team. A winning mindset at that. Since 2017, this program has won a total of 24 games. In 2022, out of 12 games, they only won a single game. It all starts with changing the culture and Prime never had a losing season with Jackson State. When I look at the potential of their offense this season, it’ll be quick and they will do all they can to keep the opposing defenses on its heels. I think they win at least five games this year and I’m not ready to put them in the bracket with USC, Utah and Oregon in the Pac-12. On Saturday, the new-look Buffaloes will rewind week one of last season in a showdown with last year’s runner up.
TCU: Talk about coming out of left field last season. I don’t think anyone saw them being as strong as they were a season. This is why I always say that coaching truly matters in our sport, no matter the level. This program hired Sonny Dykes and his impact was immediately felt in year one. In his first season, he led the TCU Horned Frogs to a perfect regular season (12-0 record), a trip to the Big-12 title game and the school’s first appearance in the College Football Playoff where they beat the Michigan Wolverines in the Fiesta Bowl and advanced to the National Title game where they fell short to the eventual champion, Georgia Bulldogs. Even after losing Quarterback Chandler Morris, Max Duggan came in and kept this team afloat. I had so much fun watching and breaking down last year’s group as they were a talented bunch with Duggan who I just mentioned and he was a Heisman candidate for a reason, Running Back Kendre Miller and Wide Receiver, Quinton Johnston. Last year, they also had a defense that could punish the opponent. Now, those three guys on offense are all in the NFL and they’ve lost some key pieces on the defense, but I don’t expect them to just struggle like that. I still think this will be a fun group to watch and I’m sure they’re anxious to get back on the field and show everyone that they aren’t one year wonders. This Saturday, they will kick off week one against the Buffaloes of Boulder, Colorado.
Colorado X-Factor: Alton McCaskill– This is one of the many pieces they got in the transfer portal! Alton played last season for the Houston Cougars. I love the way he plays the position. Alton doesn’t shy away from any type of contact. You can hit him, and he still remains on his feet and keeps going. He’s a shifty, yet powerful back that can slide his way in between the tackles and work his way to each tier of the defense. I see some Adrian Peterson in his game. Watch for this young man this year. He will be a steal in the NFL Draft whenever he decides to declare his eligibility.
TCU X-Factor: Josh Newton– If you’re going to wear the number 24 and play the cornerback position, you can’t be a slouch! Some greats have worn that number playing the position such as Ty Law, Charles Woodson, Champ Bailey and Darrelle Revis who all have gold jackets in Canton, Ohio. Josh Newton is the real deal and he’s one of the 11 starters from last season who returns this year. There’s no limit on what this kid can do. He plays back in zone, press coverage and he’s that corner that follows you all over the field. He’ll be a leader on this defense this year.
Three Things I’m Watching
1. The Morris Era Begins… again: Chandler Morris was named the starting Quarterback prior to the season starting in 2022. Unfortunately, he got hurt in the opening game last season which opened the door for Max Duggan and the Horned Frogs never looked back. I sometimes wonder what the results would’ve been if Chandler had never gone down. This will begin Chandler’s fourth season of college football and he’s only thrown 108 passes. What I’m implying: it’s his job and as long as he doesn’t get hurt, this is his job to lose.
2. D1 Prime: It’s been a very entertaining off-season in Boulder. Big names came through to the facility and some even talked to the team. Prime is now the Head Coach, he bought his two sons with him, bought his luggage with him and pretty much turned over this entire roster. He’s always shown us that he can recruit, look how he was able to lure Travis Hunter to play for an HBCU. Everything I said now is all out of the window. It’s all about the players and on Saturday, we will see if he’s recruited just enough to hang with a team with the firepower of TCU.
3. Consistency: Last season was magical for the Horned Frogs. 13-2, a Big-12 title game appearance, a shocking win over Michigan and the appearance in the title game as I mentioned up top. To me, this is the year for them to show they can be a consistent winner in the Big-12. To do that, they must move on from guys such as Duggan, Miller and Johnston and lean on players such as Morris. In other words, this team will go as far as Chandler takes them.
Final Analysis: It’s finally here! There’s nothing like kickoff weekend! As soon as I saw this one on the schedule, I was very intrigued by it and here we are today. It’s last season’s national runner up against a team trying to find themselves with a legend as their new Head Coach who’s making his debut. I’m anxious to see how this TCU offense comes out. It’s tough to replace guys of Johnston and Miller’s caliber, but all I know is as a coach, I’m encouraging my players to just be themselves and do what they can on the field. These two met last season to open the season and TCU handled their business against Colorado. Now, this Buffaloes offense will be a much different team. There’s more depth and talent without question. Colorado can win this game if they can consistently dominate the Line of Scrimmage on both sides of the football and get off to a quick start. Back to the TCU offense. They have a chance to be even better than what they were last year! Chandler is back, the receiving core is loaded and they have a strong ground game paired with a consistent Offensive Line. Next, there’s more experience on the defensive side of the football. Remember, Colorado is putting all transfers on the field and it’ll take time for them to mesh together as a unit collectively. I like the Horned Frogs to win this game in week one.
Prediction: TCU 42, Colorado 21
