Colorado Buffaloes vs. No. 17 TCU Horned Frogs: FOX Big Noon Saturday Preview

A huge opener for both teams this weekend

FOX Sports

Deion Sanders is less than 24 hours away from writing a new chapter in his illustrious career as a head coach. The Hall-of-Famer, who's widely considered one of the best defensive players to ever suit up, takes on the task of facing last year's national runner-up right out of the gate.

Colorado Buffaloes have grabbed everyone's attention this off-season, and with the help of Coach Prime's influence, a one-win disaster quickly evolved into a challenger in the making. This was nothing short of a miraculous with 86 new players put together for a melting pot roster. It's one of the reasons why Sanders has received a ton of backlash from a few national commentators.

Sonny Dykes and the 17th-ranked TCU Horned Frogs ended last year on a highest of highs before a 58-point drumming at the hands of top-ranked Georgia in the National Championship. It was a wild ride with that nobody expected would happen. However, Dykes sees a roster drop off with different shades of talent taking over starting positions.

Op-Ed: College football talking heads have lost their minds over Colorado vs. TCU

Colorado's team of top-talent has no collective game film to show for their efforts. Shedeur Sanders comes over to lead to the Buffaloes offense under center. The Jackson State product has gotten the label of being the "Coach's son," but that's an outsiders view of his talents. 'SS2' is a well-versed QB with an "all-business" approach to the game of football, who has two of the NFL GOATs in his corner by the name of Manning and Brady. Sanders won the Deacon Jones Award for the most outstanding HBCU player last year. He has thrown for 70 TDs over the past two years.

The Buffs receivers have the potential to be game-changers this season and are slightly underrated. Travis Hunter is hyped for his generational talents as a two-way stud, but it's unknown how much time he'll be splitting on both sides of the ball. The nation's top recruit from the 2021 class is joined by USF transfers Jimmy Horn, Jr. and Xaiver Weaver.

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One of the Buffs most-promoted rooms during this Fall Camp was definitely the rotations of running backs. Dylan Edwards stole the spotlight with a running tab of highlights. The true freshman looks to be featured, along with Houston transfer Alton McCaskill IV and Kentucky transfer Kavosiey Smoke. The trio has been grinding away on campus together since late Spring.

TCU loses a lot of offensive talent, including Heisman finalist QB Max Duggan and outstanding receiver Quentin Johnson. Chandler Morris was named last year's starter prior to getting hurt in the opener at Colorado. He returns for the Frogs and will try to revitalize an offensive attack that earned the runner-up status.

Dykes' second-year in Fort Worth comes with some unknowns on defense. The 3-3-5 scheme implemented by Frogs defensive coordinator Joe Gillespie held tight throughout the Big 12 battles last season. One of the nation's most improved defenses with a run-stuffing approach. They lose linebacker Dee Winters to the NFL. He was a huge part of the Frogs' success as a First-Team All-Big 12 player, and the defensive MVP in the CFP Semifinal win over Michigan.

A marquee match-up with two teams who will look drastically different from last year's meeting in Boulder. The national Game of the Week for FOX's Big Noon Saturday Kickoff will be a must-see event. TCU will look to prove the 2022 season wasn't a fluke. While Colorado has statement to make to the college football world.

Game Info:

Colorado vs. No. 17 TCU

Amon G. Carter Stadium (Fort Worth, Texas)

Saturday, September 2nd

Kickoff: 12:00 PM ET

TV: FOX (National) *available on FUBO for streaming

Radio: KOA (Mark Johnson, Gary Barnett)

Current Line: TCU -20.5

Weather Forecast: 92°, sunny at kickoff