The upcoming college football game between North Dakota State and Colorado is set to take place on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, with Colorado being favored by 9½ points according to BetMGM. This will be the first meeting between the two teams.

In this matchup, Colorado coach Deion Sanders will begin his second year leading the team in Boulder. The Buffaloes made significant changes in their offensive line to protect quarterback Shedeur Sanders better. They have also appointed Robert Livingston as the new defensive coordinator. Expectations are high for both teams, with North Dakota State having a new coach, Tim Polasek, taking over for Matt Entz.

A crucial element of the game will be the battle at the line of scrimmage, as Colorado aims to improve their running game and protect Shedeur Sanders from being sacked, a frequent occurrence last season. North Dakota State presents a tough defense, anchored by standout players such as defensive tackle Eli Mostaert and safety Cole Wisniewski, who will be sidelined due to surgery.

Players to keep an eye on in the game include Colorado’s versatile Travis Hunter, who excels on offense and defense, and North Dakota State’s experienced quarterback Cam Miller, boasting a 31-9 record as a starter.

Colorado has a mixed record when opening the season against FCS opponents and has seen a surge in social media following since Deion Sanders joined the program. North Dakota State, on the other hand, has an impressive postseason record with numerous national titles to their name, including nine FCS championships in the last decade.

In the past, Colorado has had success playing on Thursdays, while North Dakota State has a history of triumph in postseason play. The game holds significance for both teams as they aim to start the season on a positive note.