Looking forward the first full day of multiple events! Volleyball starts today and that makes me very happy. The women's volleyball team starts their defense of the gold medal I think on Monday. First Gold will be awarded today in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team Finals. Also looking forward to start of archery tomorrow, I got into watching that in Tokyo Olympics. Katie Ledecky swims for the first time today.

After a couple errands and brunch I am going to give the Olympics events I recorded overnight the college football treatment of 4 events streamed on my monitor and one event on my main TV.

Next up is CSU!

New series previewing each of CU's opponents in 2024. First up, North Dakota State!

Next up is Arizona:

All I’ve heard is crickets. I thought he was going to announce before school starts, but maybe that’s still a week or so away. Anyway if someone has heard something I would appreciate an update. Thanks again.

Shedeur Sanders’ options at receiver look to be endless with a very deep and versatile wide receiver room for him to utilize this upcoming season.

More on the Buffs’ WR room:

Hi Gamblers!
It's time to think about the Over / Under game again!
If you don't know it here's how it works: For each game I will send out 10 different stat based items. You will have to choose if the actual game stats will be over or under the ones I sent.
For example in the first game I might say Shedeur total passing yards = 250.5 yards. Then you have to decide if he will beat that or not. You choose Under (or U) if you think he won't beat it, or Over (or O) if you think he will. And you would do the same for all 10 items. There will also be two tiebreakers each week, just so we can name a weekly winner (No money each week - payout is at the end of the season)
Last year I think we paid out the top 3 people. If we can get more entries we can pay out more.
Couple of caveats:
1) You must respond prior to kickoff for your picks to count.
2) You must respond to the thread I started each week, do not make a separate response. I won't go looking for them.
3) Double check that your responses actually made it to the thread. Every year it seems like there is a glitch and someone misses a week they thought they entered. If it isn't in the official thread, it wasn't submitted.
4) Make sure you number your responses 1-10 and the two tiebreakers. If you just respond O, U, O, O, U, U, O and only put 7 responses, I can only assume those were for the 1st seven items. I will do my best to point out errors I see, but please don't count on that.
5) Entry fee is $25 for those that want to play for cash. The final payouts will depend on how many money players we get.
6) Entry fee is due to be paid prior to week 2 game time. If you aren't paid up by then, your out of the money game. Last year Dtown took care of the cash, and if there aren't any objections, we can do that again this year - if you are OK with that Dtown?
7) You can still play for free, but no payout, just bragging rights if you win.
8) All money collected will be paid out - no fee is charged.
LET'S GO BUFFS!

BZ: FB - Hall of Famer Warren Sapp finding fulfillment in coaching CU Buffs

BZ: SOC - Move to Big 12 shifts recruiting focus for CU Buffs soccer, volleyball

CU AD: FB - Sapp Brings Whirlwind Of Energy To Buffs Defensive Line

CUATG Blog: FB - Big 12 Notes – Fall Camp - Final ESPN Preseason SP+ rankings: CU cracks Bill Connelly’s Top 60

CUATG Blog: FB - Fall Camp Notes - (Video) Receivers coach Jason Phillips: Rotation 6-8 deep

Ralphie Report: FB - Most Important Players 2024: #14 Trevor Woods (This is the final ride for the Original Buffalo)

Awful Announcing: FB - Fox Sports’ Mike Hill responsible for lone Colorado vote in AP Poll (Hill previously provided the voiceover for Deion Sanders' book.)

On3: FB - Warren Sapp on Colorado’s struggles stopping the run: ‘That won’t happen with me’

On3: FB - Joel Klatt believes it would be ‘insane’ to not call Colorado a Big 12 contender

SB Nation: FB - Buffaloes long-snapper Camden Dempsey is bringing tradition back to CU Football

Buffs Wire: FB - 247Sports analyst shares update on recruiting battle for Colorado target Julian Lewis

Buffs Wire: FB - Analyst sheds potential light on Deion Sanders' beef with national network

Buffs Wire: FB - Warren Sapp discusses first fall camp working with Colorado's D-line

Cheers!

Great interviews with both Sapp and Phillips today. Sapp very enthused by the defensive line and teaching the guys. Phillips talks how much Travis Hunter is playing at WR and the depth within the wideout room.

Sapp's comment at the beginning of the Phillips' session was regarding Phillips' golf game 😂

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BZ: FB - CU Buffs notes: Travis Hunter, BJ Green on Bednarik watch list

BZ: FB - CU Buffs’ Micah Welch carrying confidence into freshman season

BZ: VB - Future bright for CU Buffs volleyball behind talented sophomore class

Ralphie Report: FB - Most Important Players 2024: #15 LaVonta Bentley (The MLB was a huge part of last year and is a leader this year

Athlon Sports: FB - 5 Most Overrated Teams in AP Top 25 College Football Preseason Poll (Arizona & Okie State)

SI: FB - Deion Sanders and Colorado a Dark Horse in 2024? Why Joel Klatt says watch out

Buffs Wire; FB - Savion Riley impressed by Colorado's depth in the secondary

Buffs Wire: FB - Will Sheppard looking to help Shedeur Sanders on jump balls

Buffs Wire: FB - BJ Green II providing versatility to Robert Livingston's defense

Cheers!

FCS COACHES POLL

1. South Dakota State (25)
2. North Dakota State
3. Montana
4. Montana State
5. South Dakota
6. Villanova
7. Idaho
8. Chattanooga
9. Furman
10. Sacramento State
11. Southern Illinois
12. Richmond
13. Central Arkansas
14. UAlbany
15. UIW
16. William & Mary
17. UC Davis
18. Lafayette
19. Western Carolina
20. Illinois State
21. Tarleton State
22. North Dakota
23. Youngstown State
24. Nicholls
25. Florida A&M (1)

Others receiving votes: Weber State 66, North Carolina Central 53, Eastern Illinois 50, UT Martin 38, Austin Peay 35, Northern Iowa 33, Harvard 32, Yale 31, Mercer 27, Holy Cross 20, Howard 20, Alabama State 17, Northern Arizona 17, Elon 16, Alcorn State 9, Duquesne 7, North Carolina A&T 6, Fordham 5, Gardner-Webb 4, Indiana State 3, Missouri State 3, Butler 2, Eastern Kentucky 2, Southeast Missouri 2, Eastern Washington 1, Murray State 1, Samford 1, Utah Tech 1.

STATS PERFORM FCS TOP 25 POLL

1. South Dakota State (52)
2. North Dakota State (3)
3. Montana
4. Montana State (1)
5. South Dakota
6. Villanova
7. Idaho
8. Sacramento State
9. Chattanooga
10. Southern Illinois
11. Central Arkansas
12. Furman
13. Richmond
14. UIW
15. William & Mary
16. Albany
17. Lafayette
18. UC Davis
19. Illinois State
20. Western Carolina
21. Tarleton State
22. Weber State
23. Nicholls
24. North Dakota
25. Youngstown State

Others receiving votes: Elon 174, UT Martin 169, Eastern Illinois 139, Mercer 98, Florida A&M 65, North Carolina Central 52, Austin Peay 51, Alabama State 17, Holy Cross 17, Eastern Washington 14, Duquesne 8, Drake 8, Samford 6, Harvard 6, UNI 4.

I apologize for the delay today. I had multiple medical appointments.

BZ: FB - No rush: Ryan Staub happy to learn, develop as CU Buffs’ backup quarterback

CUATG Blog: FB - Preseason Magazines - *Associated Press Preseason Top 25 Poll Released – CU gets a vote* + CBS Sportsline Betting Expert: Take CU and the over at 5.5 wins

CUATG Blog: FB - Joel Klatt: CU an eight- or nine-win team

CUATG Blog: FB - Big 12 Preview – Part Two

Ralphie Report: FB - Here’s how Shedeur Sanders can win the Heisman Trophy in 2024 (Sanders is a top candidate, but it depends on more than his own performance.)

Sporting News: FB - Colorado head coach Deion Sanders called ‘bully’ after combative press conference

USA TODAY Sports: FB - Colorado finalizes new deal with Deion Sanders’ manager for filming on campus

Heartland College Sports: FB - Five Big 12 Quarterbacks Listed Among 247Sports’ Top 25 (NO. 1 – SHEDEUR SANDERS)

NY Post: FB - 2024 college football prediction: Deion Sanders and Colorado make a leap in Year 2

Buffs Wire: FB - USA TODAY Sports gives Travis Hunter preseason All-American honors at multiple spots

Buffs Wire: FB - Jordan Seaton and Kahlil Benson didn't plan this iconic photo, 'It just happened'

Buffs Wire: FB - Chidozie Nwankwo aiming to plug up the run in first season at Colorado

Buffs Wire: FB - Jaylen Wester noticing a 'brotherhood' being built within Colorado's defense

Cheers!

Notes from the practice:

• We sat in the touchdown club (end-zone) and the new board looks great even from all the way on the other end. Not gigantic but so so much better! The ribbon board around the stadium wrapping the board and the east side looks great to. Should be good for sponsor $.
• The team is for sure better than last year on the lines. Again I saw 2 practices last year, but these guys look much better, and bigger.
• I think coaching makes us 5-7 or 7-5
• OL – Seaton looks the part, but he got burned 3 times during drills and during the scrimmage. Kid will be good but is a dang true freshman. Left tackle is the highest pressure position on the line.
• OL We lost a started earlier this week. Dislocated elbow. May be back for NDSU, but not sure. The line has some depth for sure, a little drop off from #1 to #2 line but not like last year.
• OL – some brain farts for sure, again we have 2 more weeks to get there, but they were not 100% in sink.
• DL – We will rush the passer. No question they look better, Like the OL it was #1 vs #2 during the scrimmage but the pressure was real especially on the edges. I was disappointed in the DL run stopping. O#2 scored 3 rushing TD’s. Cokes played awesome, 2 sacks 2 TFL.
• DL was for sure very talkative, even during drills, they have some mouths on them, hope they back it up!
• QB – Sanders look very smooth and comfortable, guy can drop a deep ball the best I may have ever seen from a CU QB. Was sacked a few times mainly he held the ball to long.
• RB – Micah Welch is the real deal. Kid was best back of the day. Hayden played well and was a load, ran hard. Prediction Offerdahl scores a touchdown vs. NDSU. I’ll take all bets on this.
• WR – Travis looks better than last year. He has put on a good 10lbs and it looks like mostly in his legs. Guy made his 2 TD’s look like child’s play. Wester will be a play maker for sure. We have some great talent at WR.
• Offense in general. I only say 4 plays with TE, did not see Sam Hart play. WE are 4 wide and 5 wide 80% of the time.

Ok that is what I remember off the top of my head. Feel free to ask questions if anyone has one. HCDS and both OC and DC talked to us from about 15 minutes each well HCDS was more like 30 minutes.

BZ: FB - CU Buffs’ Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig passionate about winning in final season

BZ: FB - Rooney: Prime circus only increases pressure for CU Buffs football

CU AD: SOC - Buffs Score Exhibition Win

CUATG Blog: FB - ESPN’s Bill Connelly (reluctantly): CU to sustain 2023 gains

CUATG Blog: FB - Fall Camp Notes - Coach Prime: “I feel so much better about the team”

Ralphie Report: OLY - Derrick White wins gold medal with Team USA (Colorado’s favorite son is an Olympic champ)

Ralphie Report: FB - Most Important Players #16: Amari McNeill

Clutch Points: FB - Deion Sanders, Colorado land former LSU, HBCU lineman

SI: FB - Jason Whitlock uses three F-words to describe Coach Prime after unleashing on media (Coach Prime became an easy topic after shutting down two outlets}

Heartland College Sports: FB - Big 12 Will Pay Out Record Revenues for 2023-24

Buffs Wire: FB - Projecting Colorado's starters at cornerback heading into 2024

Buffs Wire: FB - Coach Prime shares high praise of new players and staff at CU's fall sports media day

Buffs Wire: MBB - Colorado legend Derrick White wins gold medal at Paris Olympics

Buffs Wire: FB - Sports media world reacts to Deion Sanders shutting down two local Colorado reporters

Buffs Wire: FB - Justin Mayers speaks on how Colorado's new offensive line is coming together

Cheers!

Story on CU's first two weeks of camp, where they feel like both sides of the ball are making each other better:

We have had football in baseball stadiums. baseball in football stadiums, pools in football stadiums, already football at a racetrack and baseball at a racetrack.

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Some have been reported a while back, but just an update:

Oregon State and Washington State will have their home football games on the CW and Fox

Reports are that the Big East will extend their deal with Fox, but also are adding NBC and TNT

Reports are that Fox has a great chance of taking over Indy Car, from NBC

TNT is taking the French Open over from NBC

As reported the NBA is going to move to stay with ESPN, add Amazon and NBC with half the games owned by NBC on Peacock exclusively. Still no word if TNT might get select games.

NASCAR's top cup series will remain in a partnership with Fox and NBC, but will have 5 games on Prime and 5 on TNT. The Xfinity Series (the next level down) will be on the CW exclusively. The Truck Series will remain on Fox, with most on FS1.

ABC/ESPN have the college football playoff rights, but will sublicence up to four College Football Playoff to TNT.

CU and CSU both make the cut

Colorado Buffaloes​

2022: 1-11 record, 126th in SP+ (-24.0 adjusted PPG)

2023: 4-8, 81st (-4.9)

2024 projection (as of May): 3.8 average wins, 69th in SP+ (-2.5)

It's difficult to talk about Colorado in a constructive way at the moment. On one hand, Deion Sanders' transfer-dependent Buffaloes were boosted by false hype early in 2023; they found themselves in the AP top 20 and earned millions of headlines, page views and celebrity visits during a 3-0 start, but the teams they beat all finished the season with losing records. Once the real opponents showed up on the schedule, the wins stopped.

On the other hand, finishing 4-8 and ranking 81st in SP+ last season was still a massive step forward for what in 2022 was almost the worst team in the country.

Now, heading into 2024, they're once again receiving hype they haven't earned -- this time primarily from the EA Sports College Football 25 game that lavished high rankings on quarterback Shedeur Sanders and do-everything Travis Hunter and made them one of the 20 most talented teams in the game. But they almost certainly aren't a top-20 team. Improving into the 50s or 60s might not make much of a difference in the win total, but it would still represent improvement, and it still gets them on this list.

---

Colorado State Rams​

2022: 3-9 record, 124th in SP+ (-23.0 adjusted PPG)

2023: 5-7, 98th (-8.9)

2024 projection (as of May): 6.0 average wins, 98th in SP+ (-9.8)

Colorado's most famous win of 2023 might have been its wild overtime comeback over CSU in Week 3. It was a high point for the Buffs and a bit of a low point for the Rams. Following an 0-2 start, CSU turned things around a bit, playing .500 ball and jumping back into the SP+ top 100 after a 2022 collapse. The bar is low here, but the Rams will have a solid opportunity to rebound further. Quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosishowed solid efficiency potential as a redshirt freshman, and he'll again have star receiver Tory Horton lined up wide. Head coach Jay Norvell added a couple of potential big play threats from the portal, too, in Armani Winfield (Baylor) and Donovan Ollie (Cincy).

The bar is low for the defense, but 10 returning defenders started at least one game last year, and SP+ gives the Rams a 64% chance of reaching bowl eligibility for the first time since 2017.

BZ: FB - Video: Analysis from CU Buffs football media day

BZ: FB - Video: CU Buffs football media day press conferences

BZ: FB - Coach Prime eager to get CU Buffs’ season underway

BZ: FB - Football notes: CU Buffs to hold practice at Denver’s All-City Stadium

BZ: T&F - CU Olympic sports notes: Roster overhaul nearly complete for new cross country coach Sean Carlson

CU AD: FB - Colorado Football Game vs. Baylor Sells Out

CU AD: FB - Coach Prime Confident Buffs Have Taken Another Big Step

CUATG Blog: FB - VIDEO - Fall Camp Media Day Press Conference + VIDEO - CP Calls Keeler Out

Ralphie Report: FB - Most Important Players #17: Kahlil Benson (Benson plays a pivotal role in the new offensive line's success)

NBC Sports: FB - Coach Prime holds combative news conference as he prepares for his second season at Colorado

Buffs Wire: FB - Colorado inviting fans to watch preseason practice in Denver

Buffs Wire: FB - Colorado adds former LSU Tiger Kardell Thomas to roster

Buffs Wire: FB - Notable quotes from Deion Sanders' first fall camp press conference

Cheers!

Check out my top five takeaways from CU Fall Sports Media Day:

This is truly one of my favorite days of the year being able to get one-on-one time with the players to get to know their back story and more in-depth details on their expectations this season. Here are my interviews with all the players listed above and @Troy Finnegan has more of his one-on-ones with players coming soon!

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Next up after the bye is week 7 against Kansas State, when Dylan Edwards returns to Boulder with one of the Big 12 favorites:

From conversations with various Colorado Buffaloes, Troy and I breakdown what we gathered during the media day from the Buffs' offense, defense, practice news and more.

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