CU Football 2023 – 3-2-1

Buff Nation –

“We ain’t got tomorrow.  We got now.  We ain’t got next.  We got now.” Coach Prime.  Pre-game Speech TCU

Every Thursday, the 3-2-1 newsletter from James Clear, my favorite writer (second only to Stephen King), comes out providing words of wisdom and motivational messages.  In a tribute to him, here is my 3-2-1 for the wrap-up of the Colorado Buffaloes first week of the season. 

3 – Three Colorado Buffaloes are in the top ten Heisman ranking  (#1 Travis Hunter, #2 Shedeur Sanders, #9 Dylan Edwards).  The last time there were two top ten finalists from the same team was 2011 Wisconsin Badgers (Montee Ball and Russell Wilson (isn’t that ironic Broncos fans?)).  The last time there were three in the top ten? Never. 

If Buff Nation was told at the end of the dismal 2022 season that we would have a Heisman candidate on our team in 2023 we would have been ecstatic (think Laviska Shenault type talent). 

If we were told we were to have two finalists, we would have written this off as nonsense.  Perhaps a team like Alabama or Georgia, but not CU.  Never CU. 

If we were told we would have three players in the top ten, we would have walked away from the conversation not wanting to waste anymore of our time on being fooled or made fun of. 

This is how far we have come.  From dismal to unbelievable. The power of Coach Prime.

2 – Two years before Travis Hunter can declare for the NFL draft (to be eligible for the draft a player must be three years out of high school).  Combined with the new transfer rule which limits a player from transferring a second time without losing eligibility, this essentially means Travis Hunter will be in Colorado through the 2024 season.  This also means Coach Prime will be in Colorado, through the 2024 season at a minimum, as he won’t leave his protégé and possible #1 draft pick. 

Coach Prime is quickly becoming a top coveted coaching candidate.  The big dollars will come calling as early as the end of this season.  Having him in Colorado at least two seasons (hopefully longer) is a blessing and keeps this Crazy train running in the right direction.

1 – One day to live.  In one of the best pre-game speeches I’ve ever heard, Coach Prime staked Colorado’s claim on the now.  Manifesting Coach Prime’s words, the Colorado Offense marched down and scored on its first possession. 

As a fan, sitting in the stands, I thought of the scene from 300. This is where CU football makes its stand.  I was no longer looking for hope or a glimpse of a better product.  In a single drive we had leapfrogged over that level of thinking.  It was about winning.  It has always been about winning.  It was never just about improving.  All we got is now.  There are no guarantees outside of now. 

So, for now, we are those guys.  We are the darlings of the NCAA.  We are the toast of the town.  It’s all in front of us.  Next stop is Nebraska coming to town on Saturday.  Don’t hesitate.  Show up early for the tailgate.  Be in your seats to see Ralphie run.  All we got is this next game.  More to come in a couple days on the healthy habit of hating.

Final thought: As we walked into the stadium this past Saturday, we were joined by Dylan Edwards family.  I told his father Leon to check out my blog, and that I would mention his name.  Leon, you are correct, all your boy does is win. Looking forward to seeing him win on Saturday and looking forward to seeing you at our Rob’s Roost tailgate (right?).  We got now!

Go Buffs!

Doug