Pete Thamel: Deion Sanders, Colorado expect to 'win differently' behind new coordinators

Things are set to look a lot different at Colorado as Deion Sanders prepares to enter his second season at the helm in 2024. The Buffaloes are coming off of a 4-8 finish in Sanders’ inaugural season and have already seen both their offensive and defensive coordinators move on.

Sanders brought in Robert Livingston to serve as defensive coordinator after he spent the past 12 seasons working in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals. He also promoted former New York Giants coach Pat Shurmur to sole offensive coordinator duties after he split the title with Sean Lewis this past season.

Speaking on College Football Live, ESPN insider Pete Thamel opened up on how that will create a “different identity” for Colorado this season, in particular on offense.

“I do think Colorado expects to win differently and that was one of my big takeaways,” Thamel said. “With two new coordinators, both of whom have extensive NFL experience, the Buffaloes are gonna look a lot different on the field this year. Last year they ran a quintessential collegiate offense — the Art Briles Baylor offense that former coordinator Sean Lewis ran.

“They refortified the offensive line, which was the worst in college football last year. They have five new starters. In order to win this year, they need to run the ball. He said, ‘We know Shedeur (Sanders) can spin it,’ but in order to run the ball, that’s how they’re going to win games. So I think we’re gonna see a different identity from Colorado, especially on the offensive end.”

The Buffaloes ranked last in the country with 4.7 sacks allowed per game in 2023. They were also dead last in rushing yards per game with 68.9. That’s why the focal point this offseason had been beefing up the offensive line to allow Shedeur Sanders more time to work in the pocket and open up holes in the run game.

Colorado was the No. 16 passing offense in spite of its offensive line issues thanks to Shedeur Sanders. The QB finished with 3,230 yards passing, 27 touchdowns and three interceptions and gets back Travis Hunter, who will play both offense and defense after recording 721 yards receiving and five touchdowns.

Deion Sanders was high on the talent of both players and what they can offer Colorado this upcoming seasn.

“Deion was not shy talking about Shedeur and Travis Hunter’s NFL Draft prospects,” Thamel said. “He told me they could go No. 1 and 2 in the draft next season.”

The Buffaloes have not had a winning season since 2016, but things are beginning to look up with Sanders. They’ll hope to take another step forward with all of the changes they’ve made this offseason.