Can Shedeur Sanders lead Colorado to a Big 12 title? Quarterback Shedeur Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes are determined to rise from a challenging 4-8 season. With a fresh start in the Big 12 after a long stint in the Pac-12, they are eager to make their mark in the conference.
The Buffaloes kicked off their 2024 season with a thrilling win against the North Dakota State Bison, finishing 31-26 at home. Despite this victory, questions linger about whether the team possesses the necessary components to contend for the conference championship.
Keyshawn Johnson, a notable sports analyst, shared his belief on the show “All Facts No Brakes” that Colorado could clinch the Big 12 title. He emphasized the importance of having a top quarterback, stating, “Whenever you got the best quarterback — and I believe they got the best quarterback in the conference — you typically win.” Johnson pointed to examples from past seasons, highlighting how strong quarterback play has led teams to success.
Johnson praised Sanders’ growth, asserting, “Shedeur is so much better than he was a year ago. All they got to do is continue to protect him and put the football in the playmakers’ hands, and I’m telling you, they’re going to win the conference.”
Sanders is a leading candidate for the first quarterback selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, alongside his standout teammate, two-way player Travis Hunter. Last season, Sanders showcased his skills with impressive statistics, including 3,230 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 151.7.
In their opening game against North Dakota State, a team renowned for its championship pedigree, Sanders threw for 445 yards and four touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure, even though the Buffaloes faced a halftime deficit.
However, RJ Young expressed skepticism about Colorado’s chances of winning the Big 12, citing concerns from last season. He acknowledged Sanders’ talent but highlighted the challenges he faced, including being sacked 50 times and enduring significant hits throughout the season. Young remarked, “If you cannot keep him upright, it doesn’t matter how good a quarterback he is. That’s the problem they have.”
Young also pointed out the strengths of the Buffaloes’ offensive weapons, mentioning Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn, who had a standout performance against the Bison. Despite their talents, the team found itself in a close battle with an FCS opponent.
On the defensive side, Colorado struggled last season, allowing 453.3 total yards and 34.8 points per game, ranking low in the Pac-12. The Buffaloes finished with a 1-8 record in conference play.
The team has made strides in recruiting, with their transfer class ranked eighth nationally by 247Sports. Notably, five-star offensive lineman Jordan Seaton chose to join the Buffaloes, which could bolster their protection for Sanders.
As they assess their competition, teams like Oklahoma State, Utah, Kansas State, Arizona, and Kansas stand out, all of which are on Colorado’s schedule this season. These teams have shown strong performance in recent years, adding to the challenge for the Buffaloes.
Colorado is one of four former Pac-12 teams now competing in the Big 12, alongside Utah, Arizona, and Arizona State, following the departures of Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC.
Looking ahead, Colorado will face the Nebraska Cornhuskers in Lincoln. Last season, the Buffaloes secured a decisive victory against Nebraska, winning 36-14 at home.
