The 2026 college football season is kicking off with a bang this week, and the SportsLine advanced model has already crunched 10,000 simulations, locking in some early Week 1 predictions. One of the biggest headlines has to be the call for Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes facing a tough opener, with Georgia Tech predicted to take them down 34-23 this Thursday night.
The Yellow Jackets Are Bringing the Heat (and a New QB)
Georgia Tech is coming off a solid 2025 season, finishing 9-4 overall and 6-2 in the ACC. Not only that, they already beat Colorado 27-20 in their previous Week 1 matchup. That’s a serious track record right there. Heading into this year, the Yellow Jackets are expected to start transfer quarterback Alberto Mendoza, who previously backed up his brother, 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, on Indiana’s national championship team. Talk about a pedigree! Last season, Georgia Tech was second among ACC teams in total offense, putting up 460.0 yards per game, and second in scoring offense with 32.2 points per game. Their defense also held its own, ranking second in total defense (399.2 yards allowed) and scoring defense (24.8 points allowed). This team knows how to move the ball and keep opponents in check.
Colorado’s Defense Has to Get Real, Real Fast
On the other side of the ball, Coach Prime has named Julian Lewis as his starting quarterback for 2026. Lewis saw limited action while redshirting in 2025, throwing for 589 yards and four touchdowns on 52 of 94 passing in four appearances. But the real concern for the Buffaloes comes from their 2025 team stats. They ranked 15th among Big 12 teams in total offense (328.4 yards per game) and scoring offense (20.9 points per game). And if that wasn’t enough, their defense was truly struggling, finishing last in the Big 12 in total defense (425.7 yards allowed per game) and 13th in scoring defense (30.5 points allowed per game). Those numbers are brutal, and with Georgia Tech’s predicted offensive output, Colorado’s defense has a massive challenge ahead of them.
This Thursday’s matchup against Georgia Tech is huge for Coach Prime’s squad. Starting off the season with another loss to the Yellow Jackets and those defensive questions still hanging around is not the look anyone wants. While that game kicks off Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, don’t forget about another big game on the schedule: the only Top 25 clash this week, with No. 24 Louisville battling No. 9 Ole Miss at Nissan Stadium on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET. College football is BACK, and the drama is already dialed up!
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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