Urban Meyer explains why he's 'pumping the brakes' on Colorado after hot start

Colorado has been the talk of college football the last two weeks. After a 2-0 start, it feels like the entire sports world — from First Take to 60 Minutes to Big Noon Kickoff and College GameDay — is in Boulder for Saturday’s matchup with Colorado State.

The hype created by Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes continues to build. However, former Florida and Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said it might be time to take a breath and think about whether Colorado can compete for a championship.

Meyer gave the Buffs credit for playing so well to start the season. However, he also raised questions about the depth behind the starters, especially behind quarterback Shedeur Sanders. With a tough Pac-12 schedule looming, he said depth will be key if Coach Prime and his team want to be legitimate contenders.

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“I’m pumping the brakes a little bit. … Everyone at this table has been part of a championship, think about that,” Meyer said on the Big Noon Kickoff set. “The one word have to say is depth. I was at practice a month ago. When that first team came off the field, the second team came in, drastic drop-off — especially at quarterback. They’re getting ready to go to Eugene, Oregon. They’re going to play USC. That’s real. They’re going to not be matched up well in the trenches.”

Colorado got through its first two games against TCU and Nebraska fully healthy, which bodes well for its chances against Colorado State. But injuries could make it an uphill battle for the Buffaloes once conference play begins, and Meyer pointed out how tough it could be to stay at full strength in the Pac-12.

“If they can stay healthy, I’m saying they can at least compete for a championship,” Meyer said. “If they get dinged — which I hate to say, that’s going to happen. Anytime you compete for a championship, especially … in the rugged Pac-12. The Pac-12 is rugged.”

Colorado was picked to finish 11th out of 12 teams in the Pac-12 this year, but the Buffaloes’ high-powered offense has helped make them the story of college football. They get one final non-conference tune-up Saturday against Colorado State in a game that’s now “personal” following Jay Norvell’s comments about Deion Sanders.

Next week, the Buffs will kick off Pac-12 action when they head to Eugene to take on Oregon.