Can Coach Prime turn Colorado Football around in 2023?

Dec 4, 2022; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during a press conference at the Arrow Touchdown Club. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2022; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during a press conference at the Arrow Touchdown Club. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Colorado Football
Apr 22, 2023; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) prepares to pass during the first half of the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

How good can the Colorado football offense be?

It almost seems nonsensical to talk about Colorado’s offense from 2022 because only three players from that offense could start this fall. Left tackle Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan, center Van Wells and tight end Louis Pasarello are all that’s left over from last year. That should come as little surprise, however.

Colorado was 1-11 last year, and they won the only game they were competitive in. The Buffalos’ offense couldn’t run, throw, or score the football. What will the offense look like in 2023?

The 2023 version of the offense begins and ends with two players, Shedur Sanders and Travis Hunter. Sanders was one of the best quarterbacks in FCS. How steep is the learning curve for Sanders in his first year in the Power Five? It is also important to note that he will be at a talent disadvantage, starkly contrasting his time at Jackson State.

Shawn Lewis’ offense is quarterback friendly, so the transition should not be too difficult.

Travis Hunter is intriguing because he’s expected to play both ways. Will Coach Prime and the coaching staff play him on the side of the ball where he’s of most value?

Most important, how well will they block for Sanders? It is hard for a team to rebuild an offensive line almost exclusively through the portal completely.