Deion Sanders is one of the greatest football players to ever put on a helmet. That much is evidenced by his stellar college and pro football career, where he became a first-round draft pick out of FSU, won two Super Bowls, and was a first-ballot member of the NFL Hall of Fame.
Sanders followed up his playing days as a highly-paid NFL analyst, but his competitive nature led him back to the gridiron, but this time as a head coach. During the COVID-shortened season of 2020, Sanders took the helm at Jackson State in Mississippi.
After three seasons, he compiled a win-loss record of 27-6 and 19-2 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). His success attracted the attention of major colleges and universities looking for a high-profile coach to lead their team out of the basement.
The Pac-12’s Colorado Buffaloes came calling and gave Sanders his first crack at coaching at college football’s highest level. Of course, anywhere Prime Time goes, so do the press and television cameras.
This added attention to an otherwise pedestrian Buffaloes program has caused for an uptick in NCAA Football betting on Colorado this season. With the addition of over 80 athletes that weren’t members of the program last season, there is plenty of reason for fans and bettors to anticipate improved performance.
Here are the current Deion Sanders odds for the Colorado Buffaloes this season:
- Colorado Pac-12 Odds To Win: +5000
- Colorado’s Odds To Make Pac 12 Conference Championship: +8000
- National Championship Odds: +10000
While the above Deion Sanders coaching odds don’t grant Colorado much of a chance in the Pac-12 or for betting on the CFP National Championship, that’s not where expectations are for year one.
Last year, the Buffaloes were 1-11, with their only win coming against the Cal Golden Bears. The focus this year should be on the foundation of the program, and anything over .500 is reason for celebration.
Taking things one game at a time, there is a strong possibility that the U of C can take the next step and win a few games. Here’s who they face this season.
2023 Colorado Buffaloes Football Schedule
- September 2 @ TCU Horned Frogs
- September 9 vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers
- September 16 vs. Colorado State Rams
- September 23 @ Oregon Ducks
- September 30 vs. USC Trojans
- October 7 @ Arizona State Sun Devils
- October 13 vs. Stanford Cardinal
- October 28 @ UCLA Bruins
- November 4 vs. Oregon State Beavers
- November 11 vs. Arizona Wildcats
- November 17 @ Washington State Cougars
- November 25 @ Utah Utes
There are only four opponents that are ranked in the preseason top 25 – TCU, USC, Oregon State, and Utah.
It takes an entire season’s worth of effort to make it to the College Football Playoffs. Coach Sanders plans to take things one game at a time, so fans and bettors should fall in line and do the same.
Here’s the betting line for the Buffalos’ first game against the 16th-ranked TCU Horned Frogs.
Colorado TCU Betting Line
- Spread: Colorado +21.0, TCU -21.0
- Moneyline: Colorado +575, TCU -900
- Over/Under: 59.0
Texas Christian is favored by three touchdowns over Colorado. We’re betting on the Buffaloes to cover!
Sources – Associated Press, Bovada Sportsbook