Deion Sanders was not exactly in a jubilant mood after Colorado beat North Dakota State 31-26 on Thursday night in the 2024 season opener.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Sanders explained that he felt like he had to “hold back his anger” because the win didn’t feel like it.

“Have you ever felt like you won and you didn’t?” he added. “Let’s just stop doing that. I’m going to do my best to hold back my anger. But we got a ‘W’ so I’m happy.”

As Sanders enters its second season at the helm, expectations are high for Colorado. The team got off to a strong start last season, winning three straight before losing eight of its last nine games.

Thursday’s game looked a lot like how the Buffaloes played in 2023. The offense was electric and made a lot of big plays, but the defense often struggled.

Shedeur Sanders threw for 445 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. He did have an odd moment late in the game when he threw a deep hit to LaJohntay Wester at a time when Colorado could have run out the clock to win.

The pass was incomplete and the Buffaloes later had to punt the ball back to North Dakota State with 31 seconds left, giving them a 31-26 lead.

Bison quarterback Cam Miller threw a Hail Mary from his own 47-yard line to Tyler Terhark, but the pass didn’t cross the goal line and Colorado was able to tackle him to secure the win.

Colorado’s defense tightened in the second half, allowing just one touchdown drive after North Dakota State scored on each of its first four possessions to start the game. The unit allowed 449 total yards, including 12.2 yards per pass attempt.

But as the level of competition increases, Colorado will have to play much better to reach a bowl game for the first time since 2020.

Next up for coach Prime and the Buffaloes is a showdown with Nebraska at Memorial Stadium on September 7.