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Can CU right the ship in arguably the easiest game remaining on the schedule? ... Can the Buffs figure out its offensive line play, creating holes for the running game, while also protecting the passer? ... Can the Buffs avoid their first loss to the Rams since 2014? ... Let's find out ...

Stuart
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Shilo Sanders left early in Saturday’s match-up against Nebraska

Monday morning on X, Deion Sanders shared that Shilo, his son and Colorado’s starting safety, had undergone surgery on his right forearm after exiting in the first half of Colorado’s loss Saturday against Nebraska.

God is Good! Can’t wait to see u back ready to go. Love ya son! @ShiloSanders @DeionSandersJr pic.twitter.com/gm4joshAXX

— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) September 9, 2024​

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The exact timetable for Shilo’s return is unclear, but players with similar injuries often miss 6-12 weeks, depending on the severity and complexity of the break. Shilo undoubtedly has NFL Draft hopes, and while this injury might impact his draft stock due to a limited amount of tape this season, this is his sixth year in collegiate football, thanks to COVID-19 eligibility changes, which means there’s plenty of previous tape for NFL teams to evaluate. Shilo is expected to make a full recovery.

Sanders has been a key starter for Colorado since Deion arrived in Boulder, embodying the physical side of the Buffs’ defense with his knack for big hits and forcing fumbles. Following the Buffs’ disappointing loss on Saturday, it’s crucial to keep their starters healthy, as consistency and cohesion will be key in getting the defense back on track.

In Shilo’s absence, expect Carter Stoutmire to step in. He saw playing time in week two, stepping in for Shilo the entire second half. Stoutmire has been solid thus far, and the Colorado coaching staff is confident in his ability to step up. Be sure to tune in this Saturday as the Buffs faces in-state rival Colorado State and watch how the defense responds to this adversity.

by Jacob.Thompson
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Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images

The Buffs have an evening kickoff time.

The Colorado Buffaloes will return to the Big 12 on national television. The Buffs’ September 22nd home game against the Baylor Bears will air on FOX, their fourth straight game on national television. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. (MT).

Colorado will be looking to start their conference schedule on the right foot. They barely edged FCS North Dakota State, then were humiliated by Nebraska this past weekend. They will have to rebound this weekend against Colorado State before starting their Big 12 campaign against a physical Baylor team.

Aside from the on-field product, it should be a wonderful time to visit Boulder and take in the fall environment. The 6:00 p.m. kickoff is perfect if you want to do a hike in the morning, have a little cookout in the parking lot, and then making it in to Folsom Field for a sunset and a crisp autumn night.

by Sam Metivier
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An In-Depth Look at Colorado’s Performance in Loss to Rival Nebraska

Recap:

Saturday night in a tough road game Colorado lost against rival Nebraska falling 28-10. The Buffaloes got off to a terrible start, with quarterback Shedeur Sanders throwing a costly pick-six early. The offense couldn’t find a rhythm and the always sold out Cornhusker crowd showed out.

Nebraska’s defense dominated the narrative of the game, holding Colorado scoreless in the first half and stifling any hope the Buffs’ had to establish a run game. Nebraska’s power running attack found success early, and frequent penalties and defensive breakdowns haunted Colorado. Nebraska built a 28-0 lead by halftime.

Colorado managed to get a field goal and a late touchdown pass that went to LaJohntay Wester in the second half but could never truly threaten the Huskers. Nebraska controlled the game on both sides of the ball, sealing a victory with methodical drives and a strong defensive showing. The Buffs drop to 1-1 on the season.

What Went Right:

It’s always a good practice to start with what went right for the Buffs, though this week, there wasn’t much. In the postgame press conference, Deion Sanders highlighted Colorado’s strong second-half performances this season, noting that they’ve only allowed six points in the second half through their first two games. While Colorado has outscored opponents 24-6 in the second half, they’ve been outscored 17-48 in the first half.

This raises the question: Is Colorado making meaningful adjustments, or are their opponents easing up and trying to run out the clock? The answer seems to be both. Against North Dakota State, Colorado adapted defensively to what NDSU was showing them, but against Nebraska, it appeared the Huskers were simply playing not to lose.

Standout performances came from Travis Hunter, who had 110 yards on 10 receptions and broke up a key pass on defense. Jimmy Horn also had an impressive 60-yard kickoff return while Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig recorded 11 tackles. Deion emphasized in the postgame press conference that in order to have a voice in the locker room team leaders need to produce on the field to earn the respect of their teammates. Hunter and Silmon-Craig have been the leaders of this team so it should come as no surprise that these guys produced on the field.

What Went Wrong:

Last year, Colorado’s offensive struggles were largely blamed on the offensive line, and after this Nebraska game, the narrative is similar. Questions are swirling about whether this reconstructed line will hold up better than last year’s, giving Colorado fans a sense of déjà vu. But was the problem against Nebraska truly the offensive line? And is there any hope for improved blocking as the season progresses?

The reality is that Colorado struggled in the trenches on both sides of the ball. They faced a Nebraska team that, like many in the Big Ten, prides itself on winning games in the trenches. Colorado’s newly-formed offensive and defensive lines still have a lot of work to do to get on the same page. In the first quarter, it was obvious that the offense had little interest in establishing a run game, which only made the jobs of both the offensive line and Shedeur Sanders more difficult. Additionally, the run play calls lacked creativity and misdirection, putting even more pressure on the offense. Play-calling and design will need to evolve as the season continues.

Colorado encountered three separate fourth-and-one scenarios in the game, and each time the play call was a shotgun run up the middle, commonly known as an “inside zone.” Shotgun-only offenses like CU’s have been criticized for overusing this run play due to its convenience out of most shotgun formations.

Linked is an 18-minute film breakdown by one of my favorite content creators, Brett Kollman, who explains in detail how inside zone concepts have also become a crutch for the new Eagles offensive play-caller after losing Shane Steichen to Indianapolis. The Eagles also run a shotgun-only approach to offense and due to this lack of diversity offensively, Kollman goes as far as to say that the Eagles offense in 2023 resembled a high-school offense.

An entire 18-minute video could be made about Colorado’s mistakes in this game as well, but the bigger question is: are these problems fixable? The answer is both yes and no. The Buffs likely won’t make the leap Deion Sanders envisioned to contend for a College Football Playoff spot, but the potential for a bowl game remains if these mistakes are addressed.

The biggest areas for improvement should include playing assignment-sound football, responding better to specific in-game situations, finding more diversity in play-calling, and avoiding costly penalties in key moments. These adjustments must come down from the coaching staff to the players, and accountability will be critical in the following weeks if Colorado hopes to make strides by the time conference play begins.

Outlook:

Looking ahead to next week, Colorado will take on Colorado State in Fort Collins, and fans should expect the Buffs to bounce back with a win. Colorado will—and should—be heavily favored, as this CSU team is likely their easiest matchup of the season.

The Buffs haven’t lost to the Rams in a decade and this year Colorado holds an advantage at nearly every position. Colorado State suffers from many of the same issues we’ve seen in the Buffs—poor play in the trenches, difficulty establishing a run game, questionable game management, and uninspired playcalling.

The Buffs have plenty to prove this Saturday, especially after experiencing the sting of losing a rivalry game on the road. A statement win over their in-state rival will help them regain the confidence of both fans and the media. After facing Colorado State, the Buffs will have a bye week before taking on Baylor on September 21st.

by Jacob.Thompson
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Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images

Known as one of the top college towns in America, Boulder offers lots to explore when visiting in the fall for football games.

If you’re reading this article, welcome to Boulder, it’s been a minute. We’re happy to be back in the Big 12 with some old friends and new. And I’m sure you’re happy we’re back, if only because Boulder is one of the loveliest cities in the country and a wonderful place for fans to visit.

Before we get into recommendations, it needs to be said that everything there is to do in this city requires trail runners, Gore-Tex jackets and a medium sized Hydro Flask. We’re built right up against them pretty mountains and our hiking trails begin in town and take you 10,000 feet up. It’s almost always sunny and even our cold winter days feel closer to 50 than the 20 on the thermometer.

You’re going to work up a sweat on this weekend getaway. Your calves are going to scream if you’re not used to the climb. Your muscles will feel weak if you’re not adjusted to the 5,430 feet of elevation. And if you choose to drive, your patience will be tested in this city that’s notorious for its narrow streets, pedestrian zones and lack of parking spaces.

The good news is this city is incredibly walkable, especially if you’re staying in downtown.

1. Explore Pearl Street Mall​

Assuming you’re here for three days — Friday to Sunday with a game on Saturday — it’s best to start exploring Boulder from the inside out. There are shops, cafes and restaurants up and down this busy street.

I like to start my walk with a specialty mocha from Ozo Coffee. They are locally owned and a staple of the coffee scene here. I would also recommend Foolish Craig’s for breakfast (as seen in Diners, Drive-ins and Dives) or Illegal Pete’s if you’re feeling like a locally sourced (and cheaper) Chipotle-style burrito. There are many, many more options, all of them good. That is, besides Pasta Jay’s, a known tourist trap last seen crawling with Nebraska fans.

Photo by John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images

As for the shopping mall, we have locally owned clothing stores, gift shops, art galleries, all the outdoor apparel you could imagine and even the Savannah Bee Company that sells nothing but honey products. There are also street performers and live music depending on the day. I usually end my walk at the Boulder Bookstore, then I’ll take Boulder Creek Path and head on back home.

And for a Friday night bonus, the Colorado Buffaloes football team participates in the Pearl Street March the night before home games. Starting at 7 PM, the players walk the length of the mall, signing autographs and meeting fans, all while the marching band plays their fight songs. It’s an absolute must if you’re traveling with kids.

2. Hike like a local​

Whether you’re reading this in September or November, it doesn’t matter; it’s always hiking season in Boulder, Colorado. The hiking trails aren’t quite as accessible as Pearl Street, but many of them start within city limits and there’s usually parking if you’re able to get to the trails by 10 in the morning.

If you’re going for the picturesque, there’s no better place than Chautauqua Park. This is where every CU student takes their senior pictures — it’s right under the world famous Flatirons, the hike itself is easy enough, and it’s close to campus. You can always connect to other trails if you’re looking for something more difficult (e.g. Royal Arch).

Photo by Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images

The other option would be either the People’s Crossing (FKA Settler’s Park) or the more difficult and much busier Mt. Sanitas. They’re both easily accessible and they offer tremendous views of both Boulder and the Denver metro area. I would recommend hiking to the trailhead from the west end of Pearl Street, then enjoy a warm drink and a pastry from Spruce Confections when you’re all done.

And if you’re not feeling up to challenge, you can bypass the whole hiking thing and drive up to the top of Flagstaff Mountain. There are a few overlook points along the winding road, although the views look better when you’ve worked for it. We also have a restaurant up there — you’ll need a reservation and a couple hundred dollars — and a giant star on the side of the mountain that shines on Boulder during the holidays.

3. Walk to Folsom Field (and watch the Buffs)​

Don’t look at Google Maps. Don’t even think about driving from the hotel to the stadium. Not unless you have a parking pass, the time and patience to sit through traffic control before and after the game, or you miss tasting the sweet fumes of the C4C parking garage. It’s easier to just walk the 15 minutes from downtown to the front gates of Folsom Field, especially when you have recommendations on either side of the journey.

If you want a couple quick suggestions, Flatiron Coffee is fantastic if you’re craving autumnal drinks with a nice view, or you can go to Woodgrain Bagel & Deli for homemade bagels.

If you’re looking for somewhere to sit and ruminate in the Boulder’s working class culture, it would be sacrilegious to skip out on the Village Coffee Shop. Adorned with CU memorabilia and teaming with locals, the Village serves huge portions that are as greasy as they are affordable. They also have a fun surprise for first timers, so make sure to tell them if you’ve never been in before.

But enough with the recommendations — the walk to campus is more about getting you away from your car and free to explore the best of Boulder on those aching feet of yours. Folsom is on the edge of campus and it would be a travesty if you weren’t able to walk around the university grounds. It’s best to just wander around the country’s most beautiful campus. Just make sure you see Norlin Quad and the University Pond.

And if you insist on taking your car — really, it’s fine, I get it — you can find spots to tailgate on Euclid and 18th, in Lot 360 near Duane Physics or on Franklin Field right next to the stadium. (I think all of them require parking passes.) The vibes will be family friendly and wholesome, as our alumni fan base is more senior than most.

We do have rowdy fans, but they’re over on “The Hill,” the neighborhood west of campus where the wealthy out-of-state students live. That’s where you will see the, uh, school spirit. Also where students used to set couches on fire and start small riots after big wins, but they don’t do that anymore. If you do end up going, be warned, and be recommended The Sink for dinner, another Guy Fieri favorite.

4. Find space away from the crowds​

Boulder is small city and most of the goings on are packed into a 15-block radius around Pearl and CU. It gets a bit crowded, the streets too narrow for the traffic volume, the restaurants too loud, the hiking trails too busy to enjoy the views. Sometimes it’s nice to find space away from the noise.

I do mean this literally. The University of Colorado is one of the world’s leading universities in atmospheric research and aerospace engineering. We’re a feeder team for NASA, as we’ve sent nearly as many astronauts to space as the football team has had consensus All-Americans. We send our best to Ball and SpaceX, the brightest to Lockheed Martin.

Better yet, we embrace this connection and make it accessible for kids. Scott Carpenter Park is everyone’s childhood playground. Every kid has climbed the rocket sculpture and every young adult has gotten stuck and pondered the passage of time. It’s nothing special, really, but it’s a nice family place and it means a lot to the locals.

As for those atmospheric researchers, we lock them away in the towers high above the city. Their labs are at NCAR, an architectural marvel just below the Flatirons. There’s a parking lot out front, a visitor’s center with an interactive science museum for kids, and easy access to all kinds of hiking trails. (Mallory Cave for the casual, Bear Peak for the ambitious.)

Back in town, you can always decompress at the Fiske Planetarium. It’s located on the university campus and has multiple showings a day, including matinees on weekends. They have science programs that explore stars and galaxies, black holes and astronomy. There are also music-themed shows, including “Lazer Taylor Swift.”

5. Get outside (the city)​

After two or three days in Boulder, you might be sick of it. Too many people, too many cars, too distant from nature. Maybe you want to get out of the city and into the mountains — deep in the mountains where you can ski, hike, snowshoe or just walk around with a hot cocoa.

If you’re looking for a day trip from Boulder, you have to look past the most famous of our mountain towns. Aspen, Vail and Telluride are too far and they’re crowded with tourists. Crested Butte, Ouray and Steamboat Springs are more chill, but they’re just as far away. We need to look a little more local, lest you mind the Sunday evening traffic on I-70.

For those visiting in the early fall, the one place you absolutely need to see is Estes Park. It’s a tourist trap, but it’s our tourist trap. Every kid from the Front Range has walked the cutesy streets and been mesmerized by the taffy shops. We’ve all raced down the carpet slide at Fun City and faced our fears on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway. And we’ve all been scared to death when our parents point out the Stanley Hotel and its haunted halls.

Best of all, Estes Park is at the footsteps of Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s less than hour up to Estes, then 10 minutes more to the park entrance. Early in the fall you can see the changing of the seasons, the elk during bugling season, and it’s still possible to hike in the park. Moraine Park is my personal favorite but maybe I should keep that one to myself.

I should also note that the drive from Boulder to Estes is unreal. It’s an easy drive: 28th Street turns into Highway 36 and that takes you through Lyons — itself an interesting town with very good food — and up into Estes. You get to see the farms and ranches north of Boulder, the foothills in and around Lyons, and then of course the nauseating drive through the mountains. Bring water, sunscreen, winter coats and maybe some dramamine.

Photo by Thomas Cooper/Getty Images

Now, if you’re here for the winter, maybe you want to try skiing at Eldora or Winter Park. If those places are bit too crowded or expensive, Arapahoe Basin feels much more like a local spot, even if it’s a bit further away. There’s also Breckenridge and Frisco if you want that small town winter feel in addition to the outdoorsing. And sure, Vail is a little over 2 hours away if you insist on luxury skiing.

And finally, if you don’t want to take the long drive or pack winter coats and other outdoor equipment, there’s always the world famous Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison. It’s a concert venue that’s built into the sandstone and it’s open to the public during the day. They have ample parking spaces, the steps serve as a (dog-friendly) workout you can do in tennis shoes, and there are views of both the Front Range and the Denver metro area.

by Sam Metivier
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