Colorado HC Deion Sanders says he slept in office night before home opener

"I wanted to wake up and feel it. I wanted to see it empty and see the transformation. It's pretty much what we're doing," Sanders said, drawing a parallel to how quickly he transformed Boulder from a ghost town to talk of town.

The "Prime Time" era at Colorado got off to a thrilling start last week with a 45-42 win over TCU. After the win, the Buffaloes appeared at No. 22 in the Associated Press poll, its first time landing in the top 25 since Week 15 of the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season.

Colorado matched last year's win total by beating TCU and could make even bigger waves as the season progresses. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders and defensive back/wide receiver Travis Hunter inserted themselves into the Heisman Trophy conversation last week with unreal performances.

Sanders set a school record for passing yards in a game (510), while Hunter had 11 receptions for 119 yards and recorded an interception in 145 total snaps. (h/t Pro Football Focus)

As Sanders noted on "Big Noon Saturday," the transformation has been remarkable. Last season, Colorado averaged 42,847 fans, a nine percent decrease from their five-year average (47,106). In its season finale against Utah to cap a 1-11 season, it only managed to draw 33,474, which Buffaloes beat writer Brian Howell reported was the first time since 2014 that Colorado football failed to draw at least 35,000 fans.

In April, the university announced it sold out its season tickets for the 2023 season. CBS News reported on Sept. 6 that tickets for Saturday's game versus Nebraska are going for a minimum of $360 on the secondary market.