In the rapidly evolving landscape of college football, the Colorado Buffaloes have become the talk of the town, in large part thanks to the dynamic leadership of Deion Sanders. From the beginning, Sanders and Colorado have labeled anyone who doesn’t fully support him as “haters,” a term meant to encapsulate those who doubted the team’s potential. But recently, this label has begun to lose steam. Coach Prime himself joked about the need for new enemies because the old ones have become fans, a sentiment that is not entirely inaccurate. What began as skepticism toward Sanders’ ambitious vision for Colorado has turned to admiration, with many critics shifting their views to acknowledge the program’s success.

Across the college football media landscape, respected analysts and outlets that once expressed doubt are now expressing optimism about Colorado’s postseason potential. High-profile analysts like Paul Finebaum, Greg McElroy and others have enthused about Colorado’s potential, an indication of the seismic shift in perception. Network television shows, which often fuel the national conversation about college football, have taken a more favorable stance toward the Buffaloes. The questions of “What if they succeed?” have largely faded, replaced by recognition of Colorado’s achievements. Currently with a 6-2 record and a 4-1 conference, the Buffaloes have indeed earned their stripes in a season where initial predictions have changed.

A critical point that often gets overlooked is how much this Colorado team has transformed over the course of the season. The team that will take the field in its ninth game is not the same team that struggled against North Dakota State in the opener or showed growing pains in its Week 2 game against Nebraska. Some teams remain stagnant from start to finish, but Colorado has continually adapted and refined its game. What started as a one-dimensional, pass-heavy offense that relied on scoring 40-plus points to secure wins has matured into a more balanced and resilient unit. While their passing game remains a potent threat, bolstered by the emergence of talents like LaJohntay Wester, Will Shepard and the versatile Travis Hunter, the team has grown in other areas as well.

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On the defensive front, Rob Livingston’s contributions as a defensive coordinator cannot be understated. With former NFL standouts Damione Lewis and Warren Sapp helping form a more aggressive and efficient defensive line, Colorado’s defense has seen significant improvement. The defensive line now applies more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and has shown greater consistency, a crucial factor in the team’s growth. For a team that began the season leaning heavily on its offense, the defensive improvements have given Colorado the integrity needed to compete in high-stakes games. Even if the running game isn’t breaking records, it has improved enough to prevent opponents from focusing solely on Shedeur Sanders and the passing game, giving the offense a vital element of unpredictability.

The improved running game has had a direct and positive effect on Shedeur Sanders’ performance. Last season, Sanders averaged just 1.9 seconds in the pocket before facing defensive pressure, a statistic that underscored the team’s struggles. This season, however, thanks to an improved running game and offensive line, Sanders is enjoying an average of four to seven seconds before contact, giving him the time he needs to showcase his legendary potential. Improved pocket protection has proven to be the difference between a struggling team and one that could realistically finish the season with double-digit wins. Colorado’s running game, while not elite, has done enough to keep defenses honest, creating the space and time Shedeur Sanders needs to operate effectively.

Today’s game against Texas Tech could be a pivotal moment for Colorado as it serves as more than just another opponent on the schedule. Texas Tech’s home stadium in Lubbock is known for its intense atmosphere and strong home field advantage. Winning here would mark a critical achievement, potentially setting Colorado up for success in the remaining games. If they were victorious, the Buffs would likely find the rest of their schedule more manageable. While each matchup presents unique challenges, Texas Tech may well be the toughest hurdle remaining. Utah, once a top contender in the Big 12, has been hampered by the absence of Cam Rising, while Oklahoma State has struggled to live up to preseason expectations. If Colorado can overcome the Texas Tech hurdle, they would be well positioned to pursue their postseason aspirations with renewed momentum.

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For the Buffaloes, the path to a postseason berth is not without its challenges, but it is much clearer than it was at the start of the season. By focusing on beating Texas Tech, Colorado can take an important step toward achieving Coach Prime’s long-term vision for the program. A blowout win could also favorably impact the standings, which Coach Prime often downplays but undoubtedly influences postseason chances. Additionally, a win against Texas Tech could solidify Colorado’s reputation as a legitimate contender, not only among fans but also within the college football community at large. Success would likely influence the remaining skeptics, turning even the staunchest skeptics into supporters of Coach Prime’s ambitious agenda.

Ultimately, today’s matchup in Lubbock is more than just another game. It represents a critical test of the Buffaloes’ growth, focus and resilience. A victory would bring Colorado one step closer to the Big 12 Championship game, a notable achievement in Coach Prime’s second season at the helm. While Sanders has transformed Colorado’s culture and confidence, translating those changes into a successful season depends on his performance on the field.

With a team that has learned to balance an explosive offense with an ever-improving defense, and with Sanders’ leadership propelling them forward, Colorado is primed to defy expectations once again. Texas Tech is the next hurdle, and if Colorado can overcome it, the path to postseason glory could be within reach for a program that continues to redefine itself every week.