When the Colorado Buffaloes load up for Atlanta, there will be a few reasons to celebrate. Not only will the team be wrapping up fall camp, but the game window will kick in for a first-ever trip to Georgia Tech. This series was scheduled nearly a decade ago and comes at the right time for both programs.
The "game mode" is already setting in for the Buffs, who need to start the season on a high note to reduce some of the heat on coach Deion Sanders following a 3-9 season last year. Being able to start the season strong on a Thursday night in front of a national audience is a great flex. However, Colorado has to get there first.
Georgia Tech beat Colorado 27-20 at home last year. With the series shifting to Atlanta, this could be a time the Buffs show strength and steal a game in Sanders' old stomping grounds.
“It’s a great matchup. It really is,” Sanders said. “We’re doing primarily the same thing they’re doing. A couple guys that once played here that play over there. It’s going to be fun. I admire and respect their head coach (Brent Key) so darn much. I really do. Love the city. All the way across the board, it’s a good match.”
While Sanders is "loving up" his opponent, this is a must-win for Coach Prime and the Buffs over a team that went head-to-head with BYU to end last season in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Colorado and Georgia Tech aren't equals right now.
In fact, the Buffs come into this matchup with a few unknowns on how they'll be at several key positions. CU's running back room has 10 players right now. For a team that was dead last in FBS, trying to switch up the scheme with the Go-Go offense will be interesting. Sanders isn't listening to the outside noise and is ready to have his team out on the field.
“I like where we are," Sanders said. "We’re right where we want to be. Everything is on a timeline. We’re going to hit those marks." He went on to say, “We’re going to practice that morning (Tuesday) when we leave. Have another walk-through probably when we get there. So we’re gonna get our work in."
Despite spending a decent amount of time in Atlanta to start his professional sports career, Sanders is taking this as a business trip. No distractions and remained focused on the task at hand.
“I have no nostalgia, to me. I’m not built like that,” Sanders said. “If we went back to Fort Myers (Florida) I’d be happy, that’s my hometown. But, this game that I want to win very badly. That city had some meaningful moments, but we’re going there with one purpose, and that’s to win, whether I played there or not.”
Colorado meets Georgia Tech to open the 2026 season next Thursday (8 p.m. ET, ESPN).
More Colorado Buffaloes News:Deion Sanders says EA Sports wasn't paying enough for College Football 27
Where Colorado ranks in latest college football program valuations
Projecting Colorado football's 2026 season using ESPN's FPI
Deion Sanders hires ex-NFL players to staff making less than previous ones
Leave a Comment