Did the Colorado Buffaloes truly lose, or did they just find their footing? The season opener against Georgia Tech offered some surprising takeaways. From Salter’s dual-threat potential to the offensive line’s shocking improvement, Coach Prime’s squad is showing signs of Big 12 contention. But can they fix the defensive woes in time? 🤔

The much-anticipated 2025 college football season opener saw the Colorado Buffaloes narrowly defeated by the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Folsom Field, a result that, despite the scoreboard, offered crucial insights into Deion Sanders’ squad’s readiness for a competitive Big 12 campaign.

A significant storyline revolved around quarterback Kaidon Salter, who arrived with a formidable reputation as a dual-threat passer. While his arm talent was evident, Salter appeared hesitant to utilize his legs, a key component of his game at Liberty. This reluctance limited the Buffaloes’ offensive versatility, leaving potential yardage and critical first downs on the field, a point Salter himself acknowledged post-game.

The silver lining for the Colorado Buffaloes offense emerges in their promising offensive line performance. A unit that has historically plagued the team showed remarkable improvement, preventing any sacks and contributing to a respectable 146 rushing yards. This unexpected surge in protection and run-blocking prowess suggests the offensive line could evolve from a major liability into a foundational strength, pivotal for sustained success in the physical Big 12 conference.

Conversely, the defensive front proved to be a work in progress, struggling to contain Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King, who repeatedly exploited gaps with his rushing prowess, accumulating 156 yards and three touchdowns. The Buffaloes’ inability to maintain gap integrity and track King on option plays highlighted a significant area requiring immediate attention.

Post-game admissions from linebacker Reggie Hughes pointed to confusion caused by Georgia Tech’s relentless pre-snap motion and counter schemes. For the Colorado Buffaloes to thrive in the high-tempo, misdirection-heavy landscape of Big 12 football, a rapid and thorough tightening of defensive assignments and communication will be paramount to prevent similar breakdowns.

Despite the season-opening setback, the overarching narrative remains one of cautious optimism. Coach Prime’s influence continues to instill a confident mentality, and the team demonstrated flashes of explosive playmaking ability on both sides of the ball. These early-season observations provide a clear blueprint for adjustments and growth as they navigate their challenging schedule.

If the Colorado Buffaloes can address their defensive inefficiencies while building upon the encouraging strides made by the offensive line and enhancing Kaidon Salter’s comfort as a runner, they possess the underlying talent to contend for a strong showing in the Big 12. The path ahead demands quick learning and execution, beginning with their next home game against the Delaware Blue Hens.