Deion Sanders is known for his fiery passion and high expectations. However, he was not in a celebratory mood after Colorado’s 31-26 win over North Dakota State on Thursday. Sanders vented his frustration and said the victory felt hollow.

“Have you ever had the feeling that you’ve won and you haven’t?” Sanders told reporters as he reflected on his dissatisfaction. Even as he was pleased to have started the season well, his comments underscored the complexities of managing a team with high expectations.

Sanders, entering his second season as Colorado’s head coach, has set the bar high for the Buffaloes. After a promising start to the 2023 season that saw Colorado win three straight, the team has stumbled, losing eight of its last nine games. This season opener against North Dakota State looked eerily similar to last year’s challenges: a dynamic offense overshadowed by a shaky defense that struggled to maintain control.

Shedeur Sanders put up an impressive stat line, throwing for 445 yards and four touchdowns. His performance wasn’t without its flaws, however. Late in the game, Shedeur made a questionable decision by attempting a deep pass to LaJohntay Wester when the Buffaloes could have run out of time to seal the win. The incomplete pass forced Colorado to punt, giving North Dakota State one last chance with just 31 seconds left.

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North Dakota State quarterback Cam Miller nearly capitalized on the opportunity. His Hail Mary attempt from his own 47-yard line found Tyler Terhark, who was tackled just shy of the end zone, allowing Colorado to escape with the win. The defense’s last-minute stand was key, but the overall performance underscored lingering issues that must be addressed.

Throughout the game, Colorado’s defense struggled, allowing North Dakota State to score on each of its first four possessions. The Bison offense racked up 449 total yards, including 12.2 yards per pass attempt, exposing the weaknesses in the Buffaloes’ defensive schemes. Despite tightening up in the second half and allowing just one touchdown, Colorado’s defense needs to improve as they face tougher opponents.

Moving forward, Sanders and his team will need to up their game if they hope to secure their first bowl game appearance since 2020. The upcoming showdown against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 7 will be a key test of Colorado’s resolve. With expectations continuing to rise, the challenge for Coach Prime will be to harness his team’s talent while creating the consistency needed to compete at a high level.