Colorado Buffaloes Face Predictions Amid Struggles in the Running Game

The Colorado Buffaloes, under the leadership of Deion Sanders, continue to rely heavily on their quarterbacks for victories, with the running game showing little promise. This trend has been particularly notable since Sanders took the helm, as the team has not seen any standout running backs emerge during his tenure.

Buff Insider's Jack Carlough recently suggested that a Colorado running back might finally exceed 400 rushing yards for the first time in four years. He believes that the team’s new transfers, Richard Young from Alabama and Damian Henderson II from Sacramento State, could achieve this milestone by 2026. Young, however, struggled at Alabama, contributing minimally in a season marked by a decline at the running back position. With just four yards per carry in limited opportunities, his impact was negligible.

On the other hand, Henderson presents a more promising option, having averaged 5.6 yards per carry against competition that largely fell short, except for the Montana Grizzlies. His move to Colorado is bolstered by the presence of former Sacramento State head coach Brennan Marion and a strengthened offensive line featuring right guard Jose Soto and Yahya Attia.

Yet, betting on an FCS transfer to address a long-standing issue in the running game is a significant risk. Coach Sanders and his staff have little to lose, as the backfield has underperformed for three consecutive years. The Buffaloes' best rushing performance during Sanders' era was a mere 93 yards, achieved by Isaiah Augustave against Cincinnati on October 26, 2024, before his transfer to South Carolina.

While Sanders does not directly call the plays, he influences the team’s NIL salary structure and has prioritized recruiting elite quarterbacks and receivers over the running game. This strategy has yielded results with his son, Shedeur, leading the offense and notable talents like Heisman winner Travis Hunter in the roster. However, the lack of a solid ground game remains a concern as the team looks to shift its narrative moving forward.