Preview: Colorado Football opens season at Georgia Tech
- Various Authors
- 10 hours ago
- 5 min read
By: Shane Holcombe & Jake Chau
Last season, Colorado football lined up against Georgia Tech and lost a heartbreaker 27-20 on their home field. The Buffaloes now have the opportunity to return the favor in Atlanta on Thursday night.
After a 278-day offseason, Colorado has had significant roster movement and hired new offensive and defensive coordinators, Brennan Marion and Chris Marve. There are always questions to be answered before the first snap, so here are Sko Buffs Sports’ football beat writers Jake Chau and Shane Holcombe’s thoughts on the week one matchup.
Meet the opponent
Georgia Tech is led by fourth-year head coach Brent Key, who has a 20-11 career record. Nine of those wins came in 2025 when the Yellow Jackets began the season 8-0. The Yellow Jackets are the only ACC team to finish in the top four of the conference standings each of the last three seasons. Georgia Tech received four votes in this year’s AP Top 25 preseason poll and was predicted to finish fourth in the ACC by the media.
Similar to the Buffaloes, Georgia Tech has new offensive and defensive coordinators, George Godsey and Jason Semore, respectively. Michigan transfer running back Justice Haynes led the Big 10 last season with seven yards per carry and is the catalyst for the Yellow Jackets’ offense.
“He's dynamic. He can score from anywhere on the field. He's tough. He's physical,” Colorado head coach Deion Sanders said on Monday. “We’ve got to do what we’ve got to do to keep him contained; we are fully aware of wherever he's going to line up on Thursday night. Trust me, this kid can flat out play.”
How Colorado wins
Shane: Colorado’s offense is productive on first and second downs. The Buffaloes reached the red zone on only 20% of possessions last season, one of the worst marks in the FBS. Thankfully for Colorado, new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion’s “Go-Go” scheme is full of creativity.
"As a coach, you always want to give your players the hardest thing first, and it's just a blessing to have [Marion’s] offense, because that's one of the more unusual offenses you're going to face," Colorado linebackers coach Andre Hart said.
New wide receivers Danny Scudero, DeAndre Moore and Kam Perry were brought in to cause defensive fits. Look for Julian Lewis to target them early and often to move the chains.
Jake: Sanders is coaching 43 new transfers this year after a complete roster turnover. As an entirely new team, they’ll look to their prime leader, “Coach Prime”, to unify them as a team and a unit.
Sanders has often used the transfer portal to build teams, but this year offers a new challenge with two new coordinators. Getting the coaches, players and staff in tune will have Colorado dancing their way to victory.
Among those dancers will be the running back room, which Sanders has promised plenty of use during the Buffs’ matchup against Georgia Tech.
“I promise you, you're going to see at least four [running backs],” Sanders said in his Week One press conference.
How Colorado loses
Jake: On the contrary, should Sanders not be able to get his team on the same page, that would be how Colorado loses against Georgia Tech. There have been questions about Sanders’ coaching ability, most notably in the Buffaloes’ last matchup with the Yellow Jackets. His clock management was poor, and when he didn’t use his two remaining timeouts, it cost Colorado a chance at the end. Sanders has a chance at redemption in coaching a clean game, but questions remain after the three-win season.
Shane: The Buffaloes can’t stop Georgia Tech’s rushing attack. The aforementioned Haynes is one of the nation’s most electric players and can change the game at his own speed. Unfortunately, Colorado’s defensive line depth and quality remain a major question mark, with Ezra Christensen’s eligibility injunction case still unresolved.
The X factor
Shane: The Colorado running backs. The Buffaloes haven't been able to run the football effectively over the past few years, limiting control of possession. Micah Welch and DeKalon Taylor are healthy after an injury-riddled 2025 and are expected to share snaps with transfers Richard Young, JaQuail Smith and Damian Henderson II. This is Julian Lewis’ first career college start in a high-leverage situation, and he needs help from his backfield to succeed in a hostile environment.
Jake: Lewis showed flashes in his true freshman season and can put the quarterback controversy of last year to bed. Sanders has tempered expectations with the now redshirt freshman, but the 18-year-old former five-star will need to show why he deserves to be in black and gold.
Lewis says that he has taken some strides in the offseason, and Buff fans should trust him.
“It's definitely a little more confidence,” Lewis said at Big 12 Football Media Days in July. “Just understanding what college football really is.”
With Marion’s addition as Colorado's new offensive coordinator, Lewis will have a chance to show his adaptability, which will be important in weeks and years to come. That trait will be pivotal if Lewis is going to be the cornerstone of CU football.
Final score predictions
Jake: Ultimately, there’s reason to be optimistic about the Buffs in Atlanta. Much like many fans, the players are ready to play live football as well.
“These young men are excited,” Sanders said. “They can't wait to go.”
Sanders will have a chip on his shoulder, and with excitement in both his coordinators, Colorado could absolutely get a win on the road. Final Score: 27-24. Colorado moves to 1-0.
Shane: Until Colorado punches an opponent in the mouth, I can’t pick them to beat a team like Georgia Tech that prides itself on winning the trenches battle. Let's not forget the Buffaloes haven't won a game on the road since beating Texas Tech in the 2024 season. That is a trend with a substantial track record.
The Buffaloes will be exciting and competitive, but Yellow Jackets’ Haynes will prove too much of a challenge for a team that has undergone a major roster overhaul. Final Score: 31-23 Georgia Tech, but Colorado will come out of Atlanta with optimism that they are equipped to compete with the rest of the Big 12.
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