Colorado Buffaloes football 2024 schedule breakdown

Coach Prime and the Buffs could be in the Big 12 driver seat next year

The Colorado Buffaloes got a first look at this year's schedule on Tuesday. A few changes with a move to the Big 12 and the College Football Playoff (CFP) expanding from four to twelve teams. It’s only natural to chart a path to the playoffs. And while we’re only 23 days removed from the National Championship game, it’s never too soon to look ahead.

Aug 31 vs. North Dakota State

From the outside looking in, this looks to be a dangerous game. That perception is primarily based on what has occurred in the past. FCS powerhouse NDSU has consistently built top-tier teams over the last several decades. However, in 2023, you can make the case they were the 4th-best team in the Dakotas’.

With Coach Matt Entz departing for an assistant position at USC, Tim Polasek will lead the Bison next year. This is his first head coaching position in a 20+ year career. It’s his third coaching stint in Fargo after spending the last three seasons as offensive coordinator in Wyoming.

I’m not saying the stage will be too big for North Dakota State, but they’re not sneaking up on Colorado to open the season.

Prediction: With ESPN Gameday and Big Noon Saturday in attendance, the Buffaloes will steamroll the Bison

Sept. 7 at Nebraska 

If this was a volleyball match, I’d be worried. Nebraska has not beaten Colorado since 2010. The rivalry has been a one-sided affair in recent years, including a 36-14 drubbing by Colorado last year. While I expect Nebraska to improve from Matt Rhule's first year in 2023, the talent gap is just too far apart for this game to be competitive. 

Prediction: Colorado impressive on the road and elevates Shedeur Sanders to being a Heisman favorite

Sept. 14 at Colorado State

It’s personal and it’s going stay that way. Coach Prime told Skip Bayless and Keyshawn Johnson on Undisputed earlier today, “Colorado State…I wish we could start off with that one.” 

Prediction: Colorado by 70 in Fort Collins

Sept. 21 vs Baylor

If all things go smoothly on road, this could be another opportunity for ESPN and/or FOX to converge on Boulder for a big weekend.

Baylor’s recruiting and transfer portal success has been average at best. Truthfully, they have not done a lot to improve a 3-9 team that lost four games by 25 or more points.

Prediction: Colorado enters the top 10 in the AP and Coaches polls after throttling Baylor

Sept. 28 at UCF

This is when things really get interesting. UCF will need a new quarterback as John Rhys Plumlee is turning pro. Gus Malzahn has had success with the Knights, and I certainly expect the “Bounce House” to be rocking with Coach Prime coming home to Florida.

All that said, if there was ever a road game that Buffs Nation could invade, this is the one. In a similar way to TCU last year, tickets will be accessible, and relatively speaking, affordable. Come to Orlando and maybe mix-in Disney World or Universal Studios and have a blast. 

Prediction: Colorado pulls out a thriller with over 20k Buffs fans cheering them on to an emotional victory

Oct. 12 vs Kansas State

After a much needed bye week, Colorado returns to take on the Wildcats. Chris Klieman is one of the best coaches in the country. This past season felt like a rebuild and they still ended up 9-4. 

Avery Johnson, who was MVP of the Pop-Tarts bowl, takes over for Will Howard as the full-time starter. 

Prediction: This game is troubling. If it was in Manhattan, Kansas, I would pick the Wildcats. If there was no bye week leading up to the game, I’d come to a similar result. That said, I’m picking the Buffs. At 6-0, Colorado is now bowl eligible and approaching the Top 5 in the polls.

Oct. 19 at Arizona

This seems to be the game everyone thinks the Buffs will lose. I disagree. Yes, Arizona has their star quarterback, Noah Fifita, and wide receiver, Tetairoa McMillan, back for another season. They also went through a coaching change and lost a lot more than they gained through the transfer portal.

Much like UCF, Kansas State, and some of the later games, championship teams find a way to win these types of games. 

Prediction: It won’t be easy but the Buffs advance to 7-0

10/26 vs Cincinnati 

While the Bearcats should be better than last year’s 3-9 squad, this won’t end well for Cincinnati.

Prediction: Buffs roll to 8-0 and near the top of the polls

Nov. 9 at Texas Tech

Here’s where I think the fairytale season gets a dose of reality. I love that the Buffs have their second bye before this one, but if this ends up being only their first or second loss of the season, they’ll still be very much in the mix for a playoff spot.

Prediction: Texas Tech wins a crazy shootout

Nov. 16 vs Utah

There’s always going to be adversity and this is the stretch that will test this team’s resilience. 

Prediction: Buffs drop their second game of the season. Social Media erupts questioning Coach Prime and whether this team is overrated. Shedeur’s Heisman hopes suddenly seems in danger

Nov. 23 at Kansas

Two Heisman front runners do battle at Arrowhead stadium. With Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and, of course, Taylor Swift, all in attendance, Shedeur delivers a legendary performance. Jalon Daniels did all he could do to keep the Jayhawks in the game, but the Buffs were unstoppable. A dream scenario of the ages.  

Prediction: Huge road win for Colorado. Shedeur now the runaway favorite for many offensive awards. 

Nov. 29 vs Oklahoma State

The home finale with a chance to make the Big 12 Championship Game. In their final appearance in Boulder, Shedeur, Shilo, and Travis all go out on top at Folsom Field. 

Prediction: Buffs end the regular season at 10-2 and advance to the Big 12 Championship.

Sure, this type of season is plausible. The byes are in ideal weeks. A lot of the games that could be troublesome are at home. If they get this far, it’s win and you’re in the playoffs. And if you lose, well, you might still get a bid. I like the Buffs' chances with Coach Prime leading the way.