The Buffaloes are walking into a nightmare in Atlanta. You can talk about a “fresh start” all you want, but Colorado is essentially playing with a brand new squad that hasn’t played a real snap together. It is hard to win when you are replacing almost your entire defensive core. This isn’t just a rebuild; it is a total overhaul that looks incredibly risky against a prepared Georgia Tech team.
The Massive Colorado Overhaul
The numbers for Colorado’s defense are staggering. According to Yahoo Sports CFB, about 22 of the 24 players on the defensive two-deep are entirely new to the program. This isn’t just a few gaps in the lineup. It is a complete transformation of the unit. The offensive line is also facing a massive test with three new starters taking the field. It is tough to find any rhythm when you are constantly trying to learn names and assignments on the fly.
Last year, the Buffs struggled mightily, finishing with only three wins. They ended their season on a five-game skid where the defense surrendered an average of 40 points per game. While Deion Sanders is clearly trying to fix the roster, you cannot just replace 35 to 40 players with transfers and recruits and expect instant results. The talent might be there, but the chemistry simply won’t be ready for a high-stakes matchup.
Georgia Tech Holds the Edge
Georgia Tech is in a better spot to control this game. While they have to replace Haynes King, their overall situation looks more stable. Per Yahoo Sports CFB, the Yellow Jackets’ defensive front has the tools to overwhelm the Colorado line. They are coming off a nine-win season, and even with some holes to fill, they are built to win. The addition of running back Justice Haynes and new starters on the defensive line gives them a physical advantage that Colorado cannot match right now.
The matchup in the backfield is particularly interesting. Yellow Jackets insider Kelly Quinlan of Jackets Online noted that “A few people around Lewis were interested in him replacing Haynes King as the Jackets’ quarterback.” While Colorado’s Julian Lewis stayed put, he is facing a Georgia Tech team that knows how to defend elite talent. The Yellow Jackets are also bringing in Alberto Mendoza to lead the offense, providing a fresh spark that should be too much for a rebuilding Buffalo defense to handle.
A Brutal Test for the Buffs
I don’t buy the hype about Colorado being ready to compete immediately. You cannot ignore the fact that the Buffaloes have three road games in their first four contests. They are facing a Georgia Tech team that is looking to bounce back after losing four of their last five games. The Yellow Jackets are hungry, and they have the defensive personnel to maul a line that is still figuring itself out. Expect Georgia Tech to pull away in the second half and win 30-23.
