Two years ago, the Colorado football program was in a tough spot, going just 1-11 and failing to surpass five wins for the seventh straight season. However, the Buffaloes made a massive splash in the 2023 offseason, poaching Jackson State head coach Deion Sanders from the SWAC. Sanders brought fresh blood to Boulder, bringing his exceptional 27-6 college coaching record and an exuberant amount of talent via the transfer portal. Sanders’ first season was a success despite going 4-8, winning a massive non-conference win against a ranked opponent, and receiving a fantastic statistical campaign from his son and quarterback, Shedeur Sanders.
Colorado expects a big jump in performance next season, but some fans are eying a College Football Playoff appearance in year two of the Deion Sanders era. According to Mike Vernon of KU Scoops, most of the tickets printed by BetMGM for a team to make the CFP are for Colorado football. Behind the Buffaloes are the Iowa Hawkeyes and Oregon Ducks for the highest ticket percentage regarding a berth in the College Football Playoff.
Colorado Football: Highest Ticket Percentage to make College Football Playoff
As per BetMGM, five teams have a ticket percentage exceeding six percent for the College Football Playoff. The Colorado football program leads the pack, with a significant 12.3% ticket share. Colorado started with +2000 odds to make the CFP, which means a $100 bet would yield $2,000 if the Buffaloes secure a spot in next season’s expanded 12-team playoff. This results from the NCAA’s recent decision to extend the CFP field from four teams to 12 teams, a significant development in the sport that continues to make massive changes as player compensation becomes more widespread.
Kansas Football has the 7th most bets to make the College Football Playoff, per BetMGM.
What a time to be alive (h/t @Schustee) pic.twitter.com/YsySKBlfqi
— Mike Vernon (@M_Vernon) June 20, 2024
Colorado owns the longest odds among the 11 teams with the most significant ticket share to make the CFP, according to BetMGM. The Iowa Hawkeyes, who hold the second most tickets to appear in the CFP, have the second-longest odds at +650. Meanwhile, despite owning a 12.3% ticket share, Colorado football owns just 3.9% of the handle, meaning much of the money is spread elsewhere. Nearly 50% of the handle is on the Ohio State Buckeyes as they enter next season at -750 to make the College Football Playoff. A $100 bet on the Buckeyes to make the CFP would result in only $13 of net value.
Colorado: Entering Year Two of Coach Prime Era
The Colorado Buffaloes will need a massive increase in the winning department to make a trip to the College Football Playoff. At 4-8 last season, they will need at least a six-win increase minimum to emerge in the CFP. Leading the offense again this season will quarterback Shedeur Sanders. The son of head coach Deion Sanders, Shedeur had an exceptional season last year despite being one of the most under-duress passers in the nation. The younger Sanders finished the year with 3,230, 27 touchdowns, and three picks. He also added four touchdowns through the ground game.
Colorado will also introduce over 40 new players to the roster via the transfer portal. According to Ourlads, The Buffaloes will have potentially 12 new starters in 2024, led by 11 transfers and five-star mega prospect Jordan Seaton. All-American and two-way sensation Travis Hunter will also return to Boulder next fall. He recorded a 57-reception, three-interception campaign circa 2023.
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