Colorado, Deion Sanders are on right path despite rough finish to the season

It might not feel like it after they were drubbed by the Washington State Cougars on Friday night, but the Colorado Buffaloes are on the right path.

The Buffaloes lost 56-14 to the Cougars, and quarterback Shedeur Sanders suffered a wrist injury in the second quarter. Washington State (5-6, 2-6 in Pac-12) lost six in a row entering Week 12 before trouncing Colorado. 

A season that began with chants of "we comin'" will end with the program going fishing, not bowling, for the third year in a row.

In hindsight, Colorado beating a TCU team that got blown out in last season's national title game and is unlikely to be bowl-eligible this season wasn't the statement victory we thought it was.

The Buffaloes' four wins in head coach Deion Sanders' first season in Boulder are against teams that are a combined 16-24.

However, their season would look differently if a couple of heartbreaking losses went the other way. Colorado blew a 29-0 halftime lead at home against Stanford (3-7, 2-6 in Pac-12) in a 46-43 double-overtime loss and let a 31-24 lead over Arizona (7-3, 5-2 in Pac-12) after three quarters slip away in a 34-31 loss.

It also can't be forgotten how bad a state the program was in when Sanders arrived. The Buffaloes were 1-11 in 2022 and ranked 127th in scoring offense (15.4 points per game) and last in scoring defense (44.5 points allowed per game).

As much as Colorado's defense has been an eyesore this year, it's shown an incremental improvement, ranking 126th (35.9 points allowed per game). The offensive progress has been more substantial, with Colorado ranking 53rd in scoring (29.2 points per game).

A move to the defense-optional Big 12 in 2024 should benefit Colorado, as will another offseason of transfer portal additions.

Make no mistake, Colorado needs to hit another home run in the portal to take the next leap in 2024. Per 247Sports, the Buffaloes' incoming recruiting class ranks No. 63 in the country and 12th in the Big 12 despite being one of six teams in the conference with at least three four-star recruits.

Deion must fix the offensive line, the defense needs a makeover and quarterback could be a concern should Shedeur Sanders depart for the NFL. Deion also needs to answer questions on offense after taking play-calling duties away from offensive coordinator Sean Lewis midway through the season, arguably the worst decision he made in his first season.

Those are champagne problems compared to where the program was at this time last year. Instead of fighting to get its head above water, Colorado will attempt to build on the foundation set this season.