Around CFB: Optimism for Sanders, Buffaloes still going downhill

In times of trouble, we all tend to look back on better times when hopes were high and the future seemed bright.

For Colorado Buffaloes football fans, that was about a year ago.

Under first-year coach Deion Sanders, the Buffs had just spanked Nebraska, were 2-0 and ranked No. 18 in the nation.

They followed up with a 43-35 victory over state-rival Colorado State. Then, the Buffaloes went downhill faster than Lindsey Vonn.

Colorado is now 1-9 in its last 10 games against FBS competition. That includes last week’s 28-10 beatdown in a rematch with Nebraska.

Despite that, Sanders claims he’s excited because the Buffaloes did not allow Nebraska any points in the second half.

“When you’re in a situation like this, you’ve got to find something to hold onto that you can encourage your team,” Sanders said. “I’m excited about the second half of football that we played.”

OK, but for the entirety of the game, the Buffaloes were woeful, especially on offense.

Colorado managed just 260 total yards. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Deion’s son, was sacked six times. Backup quarterback Ryan Staub was also sacked.

“Protection was a problem,” Deion acknowledged. “We’ve got to figure out a way to prevent that and do a better job with that.”

They’d better, or the Buffaloes could be at risk of losing to Colorado State this week. That won’t sit well in Boulder.

All the fading hope and optimism from a year ago will be extinguished.

The hiring of Deion — who had never coached at the major college level — was something of an experiment.

A loss to Colorado State may make him expendable.

It might make him expunged.

Heisman Watch (If my ballot was due today)

1. Quinn Ewers, Texas, QB: Give credit where credit is due. Ewers was excellent in leading Texas to a 31-12 victory over Michigan last week. He completed 24-of-36 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns. Overall, he has completed 69.8 percent of his attempts for 506 yards and six touchdowns.

2. Cam Ward, Miami, QB: The native of West Columbia, Texas, is fifth in the nation in passing. He has completed 75.4 percent of his passes for 689 yards and six touchdowns. He followed up a strong opening performance vs. Florida by throwing for 304 yards and three touchdowns vs. Florida A&M.

3. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State, RB: The nation’s rushing leader is averaging 10.2 yards per attempt. He has gained 459 yards and scored nine touchdowns. Three of his touchdowns have come on runs of 77 and 75 yards vs. Georgia Southern and 70 yards vs. Oregon. Last week, he rushed for 192 yards and scored three touchdowns in a 37-30 loss to Oregon.

Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Carson Beck and top-ranked Georgia begin SEC play this week at Kentucky.

4. Carson Beck, Georgia, QB: Last week, Beck passed for 242 yards and five touchdowns vs. woefully overmatched Tennessee Tech. In the season-opener, he threw for 278 yards and two touchdowns in a dominant victory over Clemson. Overall, he has completed 70.7 percent of his passes for 520 yards and seven touchdowns.

5. Dillon Gabriel, Oregon, QB: After two games, Gabriel is completing 84.3 percent of his passes for 623 yards and four touchdowns. Last week, he completed 18-of-21 passes for 243 yards in a 37-34 victory over Boise State. That included touchdown passes of 34 and 59 yards.

Games to Watch

No. 24 Boston College at No. 6 Missouri: Three weeks ago, this was projected as another easy win for Missouri. That was before Boston College dominated Florida State. The Eagles will challenge Missouri’s run defense.

No. 20 Arizona at No. 14 Kansas State: Arizona has a chance to validate its ranking. Kansas State can add a win over a ranked opponent after posting an impressive victory over Tulane.

West Virginia at Pittsburgh: One of the nastiest regional rivalries in the country. Pitt QB Eli Holstein (remember him?) could have a big day against the Mountaineers’ struggling pass defense. Of course, Pitt’s pass defense struggles, too.

No. 9 Oregon at Oregon State: The highly-ranked Ducks are strong contenders for the College Football Playoff, but they’ve been just so-so against Idaho and Boise State. In-state rival Oregon State could pose problems. The Beavers’ running game has been successful. Oregon’s run defense is questionable.

No. 16 LSU at South Carolina: Though neither has been particularly impressive, the game could reveal the trajectory of both teams. Injuries are accumulating for 1-1 LSU, which still has defensive concerns. Meanwhile, South Carolina’s offense has been problematic.