Plenty was made regarding Deion Sanders' arrival in Boulder. The ex-Jackson State coach had drawn plenty of admirers during his time down in Mississippi. But there were a legion of doubters as well, heretics who believed his SWAC success wouldn't translate under the crunch of Power Five football.
A marquee matchup against reigning national championship runner-ups TCU offered a chance to answer those questions. And answer Sanders did; Coach Prime and his gang of highly touted prospects vanquished the Horned Frogs, claiming a momentous 45-42 win away from home on Saturday.
It was the Buffs' triumvirate of chaos that proved fatal to Sonny Dykes' squad. In Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, Colorado has not one, but two potential Heisman hopefuls. Add running back Dylan Edwards into the mix and you have a team with the makings of a seriously competitive side in the Pac-12.
Sanders and Hunter were faultless. The Jackson State standouts shined when the lights were at their brightest, with Sanders racking up some 510 yards through the air and Hunter nabbing 11 catches for 119 yards...and a red zone interception. Edwards, meanwhile, was the closer; the diminutive tailback was a menace in the flat, catching five balls for 135 yards and three touchdowns. The former Notre Dame commit added another score by ground.
That's got to qualify as a success for Coach Prime. Colorado only claimed one victory in 2022. It matched that total in Game No. 1 of 2023. What's next? Who knows? But Sanders is the truth. And with a cadre of talented players under his spell, perhaps the Buffaloes can be, as well.
MORE: Watch Colorado vs. TCU live with Fubo (free trial)
The Sporting News tracked live updates and highlights from Colorado vs. TCU game at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Below are results and analysis as Neon Deion proved his worth in the college game.
Colorado vs. TCU score
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | F | |
| Colorado | 7 | 10 | 14 | 14 | 45 |
| TCU | 0 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 42 |
Colorado vs. TCU live updates, highlights from Week 1 game
Team stats
| Colorado | TCU | |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 30 | 27 |
| Third downs | 915 | 10-17 |
| Fourth downs | 2-2 | 1-2 |
| Total yards | 565 | 541 |
| Passing | 38-57, 510 yards | 24-42, 279 yards |
| Rushing att-yards | 34-55 | 37-262 |
| Penalties-yards | 6-30 | 10-78 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Time of possession | 34:33 | 25:27 |
End of fourth quarter: Colorado 45, TCU 42
3:43 p.m.: On third down, Wilkerson curls down the right sideline for the first. Steps out of bounds but it will give them a new set of downs. Sanders and the Buffs are going to do it!
3:40 p.m.: STOPPED! Colorado holds! Morris rolls right and fires to Wiley in front of the marker. But an impressive shoe-string tackle hands the ball back to the Buffaloes with less than a minute left!
3:39 p.m.: Big stop for the Buffs on third down. Morris misses his man and that will set up fourth and distance outside of field goal range. Dykes and his squad are going to have to go for it.
3:36 p.m.: TCU has responded to every punch Colorado has sent in its direction so far. And it's faring pretty well once more, moving its way down the field with relative efficiency. The Horned Frogs just get over the first down mark on third down, creeping their way into Buffs territory in the process.
3:31 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! Sanders hits Edwards again! Sanders fires off of his back foot, finding Edwards in the flat. The speedy tailback does the rest, outpacing his marker before dashing into the end zone. TD No. 4 for Edwards, TD No. 4 for Sanders. Oh, and Shedeur has 510 yards to his name. Wow.
Colorado 45, TCU 42
3:29 p.m.: Shedeur and Hunter's connection has been next level. But on fourth and short, who will Sanders turn to?
3:21 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! Major return by TCU's Major Everhart sets up the score a few plays later. Everhart took the leather chamber some 86 yards down the field. Sanders finishes off the excursion with another tuddy as the Horned Frogs return the favor, take the lead late.
TCU 42, Colorado 38
3:17 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! Sanders cruises around the pocket before tossing a feather to Horn. 26-yard score puts the Buffs back up. Sanders stat-line thus far: 35-of-44 for 443 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Did we mention it's his FBS debut?
Colorado 38, TCU 35
3:16 p.m.: Hunter again, this time for a "paltry" 11 yards. He's just on another level.
3:14 p.m.: 12 is him... Hunter contorts his body like an acrobat to reel in Sanders' lofted throw for a 37-yard gain. He's unstoppable. 110 snaps played thus far.
3:07 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! Success between the tackles opened up deception for Dykes' squad. After a series of strong runs through the tackles, Morris pulls the string on the option. The result: a 19-yard scamper that brings the lead back to the Horned Frogs.
TCU 35, Colorado 31
3:02 p.m.: TCU moving the ball methodically. Dykes opts to leave the offense on the field for fourth down. It pays off in spades as Sanders cuts into and out of traffic before reaching the first down marker. He looks to be having some difficulties getting up, however.
3:00 p.m.: This Travis Hunter showcase has been one for the books. Nearly grabs another interception, telegraphing the move of his opposition number. The ball drifts to the turf. But it's clear there's a no-fly zone around No. 12 at the moment.
End of third quarter: Colorado 31, TCU 28
2:53 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! Edwards with his third score of the day, jogging into the crib from seven yards out. What a game this has been!
Colorado 31, TCU 28
2:51 p.m.: Sanders places the ball right into Weaver's bread basket on the lofted throw. 44 yards with ease. He's over 300 yards on the day. And he's got a quarter left to add onto it.
2:48 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! The Horned Frogs just don't quit! Morris hits Dylan Wright in the flat. The talented pass-catcher does the rest, twirling beyond a would-be tackler before creeping into the end zone. Great response from TCU, which just keeps on getting on with business.
TCU 28, Colorado 24
2:44 p.m.: TCU showcasing some decent tempo in its first drive since the interception. Morris moving the rock with confidence; he just found Jack Bech for an 18-yard gain.
2:43 p.m.: This showcase by Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter has been a sight to behold. Just some high-level play from two HBCU products who have already established themselves as some of the best players in all of college football.
2:37 p.m.: INTERCEPTION! What a play by Hunter! He sneaks in front of his marker to steal a would-be touchdown. Unbelievable play by the Heisman hopeful! Second red zone interception of the day for Morris.
2:34 p.m.: Huge play by Bailey, who once again finds a pocket amongst the trees. The purple blur mystifies a host of Colorado defenders, eventually taking it into second gear for 75 yards. If not for Shilo Sanders and Hunter, that would have been six. Talk about flipping the field...
2:31 p.m.: TCU proves resolute, however! Defense firms up, with Caleb Fox and Johnny Hodges getting to the gifted gunslinger. That will bring the ball back to the purple people eaters.
2:30 p.m.: Sanders is special. Evades the oncoming rush before whipping a dart to Xavier Weaver for the first down. He has been faultless so far.
2:17 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! TCU right back in it! Morris hits a diving Jared Wiley for the 21-yard score. This game just gets better and better.
Colorado 24, TCU 21
2:15 p.m.: Huge chunk play for TCU to get themselves. Emani Bailey finds some space and carves out 34 yards down the lush grass. Good response from the Horned Frog.
2:11 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! Sanders hits Edwards on the third play of the drive, who proceeds to lay waste to TCU's purple wave and slip into the end zone! 75 yards covered in the blink of an eye. Colorado is back in control!
Colorado 24, TCU 14
Team stats
| Colorado | TCU | |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 16 | 11 |
| Third downs | 6-9 | 3-8 |
| Fourth downs | 1-1 | 0-0 |
| Total yards | 220 | 196 |
| Passing | 22-28, 182 yards | 10-17, 124 yards |
| Rushing att-yards | 19-38 | 16-79 |
| Penalties-yards | 2-10 | 7-56 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Time of possession | 19:19 | 10:41 |
End of second quarter: Colorado 17, TCU 14
1:44 p.m.: FIELD GOAL! Jace Feely fires away from 49, reclaiming the lead for Colorado as we hit the break. Buffaloes are making quite the first impression under Neon Deion.
Colorado 17, TCU 14
1:41 p.m.: Couple solid tosses for Sanders in close succession. However, his wideouts weren't quite able to reel them in. Just nine seconds left for Colorado to operate. The ball sits outside TCU's 30-yard line.
1:39 p.m.: Shedeur Sanders has looked every bit as good as advertised thus far. Just split the defense with another sumptuous throw to Jimmy Horn Jr. 20 yards in the blink of an eye. Just a few ticks left before the end of the first half. Let's see what Colorado can do with one timeout left.
1:33 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! That's how you make them pay! Sanders bags his second score of the day, waltzing in from four yards out.
Colorado 14, TCU 14
1:28 p.m.: FUMBLE! Edwards dashes down the left side of the field and looks to have made a solid gain. However, he collides into his teammate's leg while going down and leaves the ball strewn across the field. TCU recovers in very fortuitous position. Unlucky from Edwards, who only lost grip due to the wreck with his teammate's extremity. But alas, the Horned Frogs have a prime chance to level the score.
1:26 p.m.: MISSED FIELD GOAL! Griffin Kell's 43-yarder strays wide! Heartbreaking stuff for Dykes' side, which finally put together a steady showing. Signs of life from an offense that has looked dormant at times, however.
1:24 p.m.: TCU twice isolated their lead receiver — first Jaylon Robinson, then Savion Williams — on the outside. However, blanketing man coverage sees Morris' two attempts sail into the abyss. Field goal team coming out.
1:21 p.m.: Morris looks to have found a little rhythm as the second quarter has gone on. Decent scramble to start the drive followed by some slick passing to put the Horned Frogs on the brink of the red zone.
1:17 p.m.: TCU's front seven flexes its strength on the ensuing drive, forcing Colorado into a punt after a sack from Johnny Hodges and a pair of minimal-yard gains. Ball headed back to Morris and Co.
1:11 p.m.: Colorado's defensive backs combine to bat away Morris' effort to Warren Thompson. That's going to get them off the field. Buffaloes defense has been better than advertise through the game's first 20 minutes.
1:04 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! The Buffaloes add another score to their collection. Sy'Veon Wilkerson creeps through the tackles for six! Very solid showing by Sanders' squad so far.
Colorado 14, TCU 7
1:03 p.m.: Call is confirmed. Hunter didn't reel it in. However, the pass interference still applies. First and goal from the three on the docket for the Buffs.
1:02 p.m.: Still awaiting a call from the booth...
12:59 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! It's Travis Hunter! Goes one on one against Horned Frogs star Josh Newton, reaching over the top to bag his first touchdown in FBS. What a grab!
Now, the question is: did he gain control before he stepped out of bounds? Doesn't look like it. However, Newton was called for a pass interference, so that will keep Colorado's drive going at the goal line.
12:55 p.m.: It has been some very cultured play-calling from Prime. He's got the Buffs moving fluidly, jostling between the air and the ground. And his son is putting on quite the showcase from in the pocket. Just fired off another laser to Xavier Weaver for 32 yards. Really impressive passing from the hulking hurler.
12:52 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! TCU opens its scoring account for the season, courtesy of a Trey Sanders scamper. How poetic...
Colorado 7, TCU 7
End of first quarter: Colorado 7, TCU 0
12:44 p.m.: Another big gain will give TCU life as it ends the frame. Morris connects with Dylan Wright for a 21-yarder. That will set the Horned Frogs up well as the first quarter comes to a close.
12:43 p.m.: Good pitch and catch between Morris and J.P. Richardson. 17 yard gain on the play brings TCU firmly into Colorado territory. Really pass-heavy start thus far for the Horned Frogs.
12:37 p.m.: BLOCKED! Namdi Obiazor gets his paw through the mire to get a hand to Alejandro Mata's kick! Huge play but the Horned Frogs, who needed a spark from somewhere.
12:35 p.m.: Shedeur has to settle for a loss of yardage on third-down after not seeing an open option on third down. That will bring Colorado's field goal team out.
12:32 p.m.: Deion showing some serious confidence here. After seeing his son's offense strut its way down the field, Sanders opted to go for it on fourth down. The play works like a charm, with the younger Sanders finding Jimmy Horn for a first down. The Buffs are getting ever-so-closer to the red zone.
12:26 p.m.: INTERCEPTION! Morris sees his missile towards the end zone snagged by Colorado's Trevor Norris. That will be touchback! And a huge defensive stand by the Buffaloes!
12:24 p.m.: TCU looking a lot more assertive in their second drive of the day. Starting to open up the playbook with screen passes and go routes. Morris just carved the Buffs defense to the tune of 48 yards with three straight lengthy pass plays.
12:19 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! It's the Buffs who strike first! Sanders finds Dylan Edwards in the flat for a four-yard score! What a start for Colorado, which opens the Deion Sanders-era in style.
Colorado 7, TCU 0
12:15 p.m.: Colorado continuing to whittle their way down the field. Been a wonderful showcase for Deion's squad. Combination of aggressive rushing and delicate passing has brought them into the red zone.
12:13 p.m.: Buffs convert the first down! Impressive pace thus far for Coach Prime's offense.
12:12 p.m.: Sanders tosses a softball towards Hunter in the end zone! But he puts too little mustard on it, seeing it drift harmlessly into the turf. He had him if he put more air on his throw.
12:11 p.m.: Travis Hunter gets into the action with his first reception of the season. Facemask penalty will take Colorado into TCU territory. Solid start here.
12:10 p.m.: As good of an opening defensive possession as possible for the Buffs. Forced a three and out with relative ease. Shedeur Sanders and company taking the field.
12:06 p.m.: Looks like the Horned Frogs are looking to prove last year wasn't a fluke. Chandler Morris started the year as TCU's starter last year before being supplanted by Max Duggan due to injury. He's looking to strut his stuff and push Sonny Dykes' squad back to college football's promised lnd. And away we go! Great kick return coverage by the Buffs, who force down the returner at the 15-yard line.
12:04 p.m.: Some big belief by Coach Prime, who offered quite the pregame speech before today's game. Goosebumps...
12:02 p.m.: TCU headed onto the field amid a torrent of cheers! College football is officially here!
How to watch Colorado vs. TCU
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 2
- Time: Noon ET
- Location: Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth
- TV channel: Fox
- Live stream: Fox Sports app, Fubo
Colorado vs. TCU will be aired on Fox in Week 1. The network will broadcast the game from Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth beginning at Noon ET (11 a.m. local time).
Those seeking a streaming option can turn to the Fox Sports app or Fubo, which offers a free trial to new users.
