College football schedules are put into place years ahead of time, so second-year Colorado head coach Deion Sanders has little say over who his team played to open the season in 2023 or 2024.
Last year, that meant traveling to play national runner-up TCU in the season opener. In 2024, that means staying home to face FCS powerhouse North Dakota State, a team that’s won 17 national championships, including nine FCS national championships since 2011.
Colorado opens the season against North Dakota State at Folsom Field on Aug. 29.
“Oh my god. They’re good, they’re really darn good,” Sanders told OutKick’s Trey Wallace. at Big 12 Media Days on July 10 in Las Vegas. “I’m mad at Rick (George) right now for opening up with them. Can you give me a layup or something?”
Colorado pulled off what seemed like a major upset in last year’s opener with a 45-42 win at TCU — part of the Buffs’ 3-0 start before finishing the season 4-8.
North Dakota State is 7-3 in its last 10 games against FBS opponents, including six consecutive wins from 2010 to 2016. The Bison last played an FBS team in 2022, losing 31-28 at Arizona.
WWE wrestlers Bron Breakker and Big E are here at Big 12 media days. pic.twitter.com/yDVYTMD1BP
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) July 10, 2024
