One thing we learned from the Colorado vs North Dakota State clash is that the Buffs seem to have improved their offensive line. Shedeur Sanders boldly stated that O-linemen “had an incentive” and “they did what they were supposed to do.” But truly, after what Deion Sanders did to rebuild the O-line this offseason, the result is showing.

The goal is to protect the QB and the Buffs’ O-line who shoulders huge expectations in fulfilling that goal and they delivered the hype. Here are the three primary reasons why Colorado’s O-line looks more promising this season. 

Top 3 reasons why Colorado’s O-line is better this year

Colorado O-line allowed only one sack

In their season opener victory against NDSU, Colorado O-line looked better than last season. They allowed only one sack and gave Shedeur Sanders time enough to give those great accurate passes, allowing him to finish 26 of 34 passes with a passer rating of 219.4. Last season, the QB endured 52 sacks, with at least three sacks every game. So it’s definitely a game up. 

Boosted by the O-line, the Buffs’ signal caller ultimately led his team to a 31-26 victory with 445 yards and four touchdowns. But then again, if we look at the depth chart, their left tackle was playing college football for the first time while two other are underclassmen! So, that’s a great start and a bright hope for the Buffs’ fans. 

Talented O-linemen roster

The effort that went into rebuilding the O-line this offseason has come in favor of the Buffs. Coming from UTEP as a seasoned starter, guard Justin Mayers racks the highest Colorado pass protection grade with 80.8. Tackle Tyler Brown, who had to sit out last season because of a waiver being denied, torched his athleticism on the field with 77.3. Undergraduate guard transfer Kahlil Benson trials with 75.9. True freshman tackle Jordan Seaton secured 63.7 while returning center Hank Zilinskas 48.7. As per Pro Football Focus, the O-line allowed only two hits but gave up nine pressures and seven QB hurries. 

Deion Sanders’ hope in Colorado’s O-line

Deion Sanders is proud of Shedeur Sanders and the offensive line and he made that clear in his postgame speech. He said, “You never want to see your son get hit, let alone your quarterback. But no, the line played a good game, man. We’ve got to give them love. I mean, the guy got sacked one time, dropped back, what was it, 34 times? I’m good with that.” Even Shedeur lowkey lauded his offensive linemen saying he felt “real good coming out of the game.” Nonetheless, there are still gaps to fill moving forward but as Deion Sanders said, “I’m gonna sleep good – really good, really good – tonight with that. So I’m cool with that,” let the celebration continue!