The Coach Prime era in Boulder enters its third season, and once again, Colorado will open under the national spotlight.
On Friday, Aug. 29, the Buffaloes host Georgia Tech at Folsom Field in a primetime Week 1 matchup scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, now without star players Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter.
Below, we'll give you the our prediction and picks for PrizePicks CFB in Friday's matchup that headlines the Week 1 CFB slate as we get to see the new-look Buffaloes.
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Georgia Tech vs. Colorado Prediction, Preview for Aug. 29
These two teams don't have much in common, besides controversially splitting a national championship from 1990. The catch? They weren't even on the field together when that occurred.
Friday night is the first-ever meeting between Colorado and Georgia Tech football.
For coach Deion Sanders and Colorado, the question is whether a heavily overhauled roster can gel quickly enough to knock off a veteran opponent. For Georgia Tech, it’s about capitalizing on stability and seizing an early chance to make noise in a non-conference road game.
Colorado Team Preview
Colorado fans have grown accustomed to high drama in openers — the Buffs' 2023 upset over TCU was one of the season’s most shocking results, along with 2024's battle with North Dakota State.
But this year feels different.
Fans will see a new version of the Buffaloes this season. With Hunter and Sanders moved on to the NFL, the star power is gone, but there’s still plenty of intrigue left behind.
The most important addition is QB Kaidon Salter, a transfer from Liberty who was named the starter just days before the opener. Salter brings dual-threat ability that could reimagine the Buffaloes’ offensive approach, as he brings a new, more athletic skillset than Sanders.
At Liberty, he accounted for more than 7,000 yards of total offense in four seasons, and 77 TDs, while compiling a 20-4 record as a starter.
But Salter wasn’t without flaws with the Flames. His passing efficiency lagged at times, completing only 56% of his throws last year. Colorado’s staff seems committed to playing to his strengths by leaning into his mobility and creativity outside the pocket.
That means the Buffaloes may be more run-oriented than last season, which could help stabilize an offense that struggled with consistency behind a shaky offensive line. We'll find out tonight.
Defensively, Colorado has firepower after leading the Big 12 in sacks a season ago, but turnover in the trenches again raises questions. If the Buffs can’t establish control at the line of scrimmage, Salter may be under pressure all night.
Georgia Tech Team Preview
If Colorado is defined by change, Georgia Tech is defined by stability. Brent Key has engineered steady progress with thie team, and the Yellow Jackets enter 2025 as one of the more intriguing teams in the ACC after starting their season in 2024 with a win against Florida State in Dublin
QB Haynes King is the centerpiece. He was efficient and steady last season, finishing with a 14-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio and ranking 13th nationally in QBR. Just as importantly, King gives the Yellow Jackets a dual-threat dimension, leading the team in red-zone rushing attempts last season.
That red-zone rushing ability is particularly critical for this matchup. Colorado’s secondary was strong a year ago and should remain competitive under defensive coordinator Robert Livingston.
Tech may find it difficult to consistently hit explosive plays through the air, so expect them to lean heavily on their ground game when it matters most. RB Jamal Haynes, combined with King’s rushing ability, forms the core of the Yellow Jackets’ identity.
Georgia Tech vs. Colorado Picks – Aug. 29
This game is tailor-made for PrizePicks CFB tonight, with two dual-threat quarterbacks and a pair of offenses likely to lean on the run game. Both teams have questions in the trenches, which may keep passing totals in check and create value on rushing projections.
Colorado QB Kaidon Salter vs. Georgia Tech: 213.5 Pass Yards
Kaidon Salter is electric as an athletic playmaker, but his accuracy issues at Liberty before transferring suggest Colorado may not design a pass-heavy game plan for him in his debut. Expect the Buffaloes to emphasize his rushing ability and short throws rather than airing it out.
Salter went less than this number in each of last seven games to finish the 2024 season at Liberty.
There are also some whispers that Julian Lewis could get involved in the game tonight, though he is officially the back up.
Georgia Tech RB Jamal Haynes vs. Colorado: 71.5 Rush Yards
Speaking of the Buffaloes likelihood to run the ball, Haynes is set up for volume in this matchup as well. Tech's offense is built on balance in the run game; with Colorado breaking in a new-look defensive front, the Yellow Jackets should test them on the ground early and often.
That will be nothing new for Haynes, who had 169 carries a year ago, including rushing for more than this number in three of his last four games to close out 2024, including the Birmingham Bowl.
Colorado ranked 75th in tackling last year, per PFF, which could give Haynes some extra room to get loose.
Georgia Tech QB Haynes King vs. Colorado: 44.5 Rush Yards
King is a polished passer, but he’s also selective. Georgia Tech doesn’t ask him to throw at a high volume, especially in the red zone where his legs often take over. In close games last year — which this one has the makings of —King used his legs much more often. Across six games decided by a TD or less, King rushed for more than 45 yards in five of them.
When the game is in the balance, King will take to the ground and get the job done, which is what makes him one of the most interesting QBs to watch this season.
Make CFB Picks on PrizePicks
Friday brings us some electric college football games to kick-off Week 1, and Colorado getting a home matchup in Week 1 will be front and center as the Sanders and Hunter-era comes to an end.
With college football ramping up, it's time to make your CFB picks on PrizePicks to win real money. Just pick your players, predict More or Less on their stats, and play all season long to win real money on every game.
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