BOULDER, Colo. – After a season of hype went off the tracks, Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes begin Year 2 in the Coach Prime era with a matchup against North Dakota State today – Thursday, Aug. 29 – at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado. This game is available on multiple streaming services for free.
Today’s game will broadcast live on ESPN at 8 p.m. Eastern. (6 p.m. Mountain). Fans without cable can catch the game at no cost via FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, which both offer free trials. Another option is SlingTV, which has promotional offers for new customers.
Coach Prime returns to the spotlight in Year 2 at the helm of the Buffaloes. The first season was a whirlwind of hype and expectations, followed by a humbling reality of losing eight of their last nine games.
The Buffaloes will look to make an impact in the new-look Big 12, and beyond. Gone are the west coast matchups against national powerhouses USC and Oregon. They have been replaced with the likes of Kansas State, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech.
After nearly gutting the entire team in Year 1, Colorado once again went heavy into the portal, adding 55 new scholarship players. The Buffaloes welcome back last year’s star power in Heisman Trophy candidates Shedeur Sanders and two-way phenom Travis Hunter. The former threw for 3,230 yards, 27 passing touchdowns and three interceptions. He also added four scores on the ground.
Allowing an NCAA-worst 52 sacks last year, Prime made sure to upgrade his offensive line in the offseason. The new unit features top freshman offensive tackle Jordan Seaton and junior transfer Yaikiri Walker. Sophom*ore Hank Zilinskas returns after starting two games last year. The line will be coached by former NFL offensive tackle Phil Loadholt, who previously worked as an offensive analyst for Oklahoma.
The running back room looks very different, including the addition of former Ohio State back Dallan Hayden. Charlie Offerdahl is expected to be the starting back. The former walk-on was put on scholarship this offseason and has built trust with the coaching staff in this role.
Colorado’s defense also came unraveled, allowing a 176.4 rushing yards per game, which was 107th in the nation. The Bison compiled the fourth-best rushing attack in FCS last season, tallying 237.5 yards per game. Sounds like a great first test for new Buffaloes defensive coordinator Robert Livingston.
Make no mistake, this is no cupcake in Week 1. North Dakota State is an FCS powerhouse that is coming off an 11-4 year, which is their worst record since 2010. They open up the season ranked No. 2 in the FCS coaches poll.
Watch Colorado vs. North Dakota State on FuboTV for free
The Bison welcome back All-American candidate and four-year starter Cam Miller. The talented dual threat compiled 2,688 yards with 19 passing touchdowns and four interceptions last year. He also gashed defenses for 629 yards and 13 scores on the ground. Miller completed 72% of his passes overall.
They also return to tradition with the re-addition of Tim Polasek as the head coach. After three years in Wyoming as offensive coordinator, Polasek is back to resume the Bison’s dominance in FCS. He was previously with the program as offensive coordinator or assistant for the national championship teams of 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015. The program has won nine national championships in FCS.
North Dakota State has knocked off an FBS opponent six times since 2010.
Watch Colorado vs. North Dakota State for free on DirecTV Stream
Who is announcing Colorado vs. North Dakota State?
Mark Jones (play-by-play) and Roddy Jones (analyst) will be the ESPN announcers while Quint Kessenich reports from the sidelines.
What are the latest odds for Colorado vs. North Dakota State?
Spread: CU: (-9.5), NDST: (+9.5)
Moneyline: CU: (-325), NDST: (+260)
Point total: 60.5
Here’s more information on how to watch this game on TV and streaming services.
What: College football: Colorado vs. North Dakota State
When: Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. Mountain)
Where: Folsom Field | Boulder, Colorado
Channel: ESPN
Best streaming options: FuboTV (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and Sling TV (half off first month)
Cable Channel Finder: AT&T U-Verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, Cox, DIRECTV, Dish, Verizon Fios
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