The Deion Sanders experience makes its way to Big 12 Media Days for the first time as the Colorado Buffaloes leave the hollowed husk of the Pac-12 for a new conference in 2024. Year 1 in Boulder didn’t go so well for Sanders, finishing the season 4-8 after reaching the pinnacles of hype early in the campaign.
Hoping for a fresh start in new surroundings, what questions is Sanders set to face at Big 12 Media Days?
Three Most Significant Questions for Deion Sanders at Big 12 Media Days
1) Has the Offensive Line Improved After an Overhaul?
The Buffaloes were abysmal on offense last season, finishing ninth (out of 12) in the Pac-12 in scoring offense at 23.8 points per game and 12th in total yards with 325.1 yards per game.
Shedeur Sanders proved to be one of the better QBs in the country last year, but the Buffaloes OL hampered him by allowing 56 sacks in 12 games, 4.7 per game. Furthermore, the run game ranked 11th in the Pac-12 at 71.6 yards per game.
Sanders addressed this issue head-on on the recruiting trail, adding six OL, including five-star prospect Jordan Seaton, Michigan State transfer Ethan Boyd, and Clemson transfer Zack Owens. He also hired a new offensive line coach, Phil Loadholt.
2) How Has New DC Robert Livingston Changed the Defense?
Colorado’s defense didn’t fair much better than its offense last year, finishing ninth in the Pac-12 in scoring with 36.3 points allowed per game and total yards with 451 yards allowed per game.
Sanders switched coordinators on both sides, adding Robert Livingston as defensive coordinator this offseason. Livingston spent the last eight seasons coaching safeties in the NFL for the Cincinnati Bengals.
3) Is Colorado’s Strength of Schedule Concerning?
As if things weren’t tough enough for Sanders in Boulder, the Buffs were saddled with the fifth-toughest slate of opponents in CFN’s 2024 strength of schedule metric.
Colorado’s attempt to rebound following a disappointing season faces some substantial obstacles as the Buffaloes embark on a new conference.
Big 12 Media Days Schedule: Deion Sanders, Colorado Head Coach
- Date: Wednesday, July 10
- Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
- How to watch: ESPN+
The Buffaloes were all sizzle and no steak last season, proving the hype built up by their flashy coach to be insurmountable.
Sanders will have some key returners, including both of his sons, and some blue-chip additions to help ease the tension in Boulder, but the fact remains that he will need a lot more than just talented players to win at the game’s highest level.
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