Colorado’s football season opener will be played two days earlier than originally scheduled.
CU announced on Monday that the opener against North Dakota State will take place on Thursday, Aug. 29, at Folsom Field. It was originally slated for Aug. 31. The start time and TV information will be announced at the end of May.
The game will mark CU’s first Thursday game since Sept. 3, 2015, at Hawaii. It will be the first Thursday home game since Oct. 11, 2012, against Arizona State.
In its history, CU is 31-20-2 on Thursday, with 45 of those games taking place on Thanksgiving Day between 1891-1947. Since 1947, the Buffs have played only seven times on Thursdays.
Under the direction of head coach Deion Sanders, who is heading into his second season with the Buffs, CU is looking to improve upon its 4-8 record from a year ago.
The matchup against NDSU will be the first-ever between the two schools. NDSU is one of the top FCS programs in the country, having won 17 national titles and 37 conference titles.
As good as advertised
When LaJohntay Wester put his name into the transfer portal over the winter, CU quarterback Shedeur Sanders pulled up the film.
“I was like, ‘Nah, we need this guy,’” Shedeur said. “This is the guy we want, this is the guy we need on the field, this is the guy we need on this team to make us continue to just prosper continue to just be great.”
Now that Wester, who transferred from Florida Atlantic, is in Boulder and going through spring ball with the Buffs, Shedeur said, “He’s exactly what he was on film. Basically just an explosive player, extreme knowledge and route running. … He’s killing it at practice.”
Wester was second in the country in receptions (108) last season at FAU, racking up 1,168 yards and eight touchdowns. He was also named an All-American punt returner.
“LaJohntay is a pro, man,” Coach Prime said. “He’s a Florida boy and he comes with that dog mentality, that swagger in him.”
Edwards’ versatility
Earlier this spring, running back Dylan Edwards and his position coach, Gary Harrell, talked about the explosive potential Edwards has this season. Although a running back, he’s also got the speed to line up at receiver.
Coach Prime last week expressed his excitement for Edwards’ potential, too.
“Dylan is a tremendous asset,” Coach Prime. “We’re going to try to get the ball to Dylan in all forms and facets. … Splitting him out at times and seeing him in front of a linebacker out wide is a scary thought. (Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur) is going to do a great job of getting him the ball where he needs to get the ball on the go.”
Notable
Although tight end Chamon Metayer hit the transfer portal last week, Coach Prime likes what he sees in converted defenders Sav’ell Smalls and Morgan Pearson at tight end. “Tremendous athletes; hand-eye coordination, can catch the ball, can get vertical, they are physical,” he said. “They are defensive guys, so they got that it, man. They really do. They’re athletes. They’re really versatile.” … CU was off Monday, but returns to the practice field Tuesday to begin the final week of spring. They’ll also practice Thursday and have the spring game on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Folsom Field.
