Deion Sanders is looking for a serious bounce back, taking his Colorado Buffaloes on the road for a tough Week 1 opener against Georgia Tech on Thursday. This isn’t just any game, folks, it’s a big test for a team trying to shake off a 3-9 campaign from last season. The Yellow Jackets, meanwhile, are rolling into this one after a solid 9-4 record last year, and they’ve got some serious firepower coming back.
Boulder’s Bounce Back Mission Kicks Off
Remember last season’s meeting in Boulder? Georgia Tech walked away with a 27-20 win, and you know Coach Prime has to have that one circled. This year, the Buffaloes are hoping for a completely different story, and a lot of that hope is riding on Julian Lewis, a former top-50 recruit, who’s stepping in at quarterback. Sanders clearly hit the transfer portal hard to give his offense a jolt, bringing in big names like receiver DeAndre Moore. They need to find consistency at that position after struggling with it last year, and Lewis is the guy they’re banking on for some big gains.
On the other side of the ball, Georgia Tech isn’t just sitting pretty; they’re looking to build on their 9-4 season. They’re bringing back star running back Justice Haynes, who’s set to lead what should be a strong rushing attack. Plus, Alberto Mendoza, Fernando Mendoza’s brother, is slated to start at quarterback for the Yellow Jackets. Tech is aiming to take some real steps forward on offense with Mendoza leading the charge and Haynes providing one of the nation’s top backfield threats.
The Numbers Are In, And They’re Loud
Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, and the oddsmakers aren’t shying away from favoring the home team. Georgia Tech is currently a 6.5-point favorite in the latest odds, with the over/under set at 50.5 points. If you’re looking at the money line, the Yellow Jackets are sitting at -249, while Colorado is at +203.
But here’s where it gets interesting: the SportsLine Projection Model has dropped its picks for this game, and it’s making a bold call. This model, which has been upgraded for the 2026 season to factor in the transfer portal even better, simulates every FBS game a staggering 10,000 times. It’s been on a scorching 32-19 run on top-rated CFB money-line picks since the 2024 season. After all those simulations, the model is going Over on the 50.5-point total. With Colorado hoping Lewis and Moore spark an explosive offense, and Tech confident in Mendoza and Haynes, the model clearly sees a game with plenty of scoring.
So, get ready for some Thursday night football, because Deion Sanders and his Buffaloes have a huge opportunity to set the tone for their season right out of the gate against a tough Georgia Tech squad. It’s going to be a battle, and if the model is right, we’re in for some serious offensive fireworks!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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