Coach Prime this week returns to the site where it all began.

Much has changed in Boulder since Deion Sanders became the Colorado coach, and much of what has taken place has been fueled by a memorable win to kick off the 2023 season over a TCU team coming off a trip to the national championship game.

But this will be a very different Buffaloes team heading to Fort Worth for the Saturday night (5:30 p.m., FOX) kickoff at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Only a handful of players remain from the 2023 squad and none of the stars from that 45-42 victory from over two years ago.

The Horned Frogs are much different, too, and here’s what to expect from Sonny Dykes’ team:

Last time out

If Buffs fans are upset about a blown 14-0 lead last week against BYU, imagine how TCU fans feel. 

The Horned Frogs led 17-0 on the road at the home of the defending conference champions, Arizona State, midway through the second quarter. They seemed to be in total control and on the way toward a statement win to kick off Big 12 play.

But the Sun Devils managed to score two quick touchdowns in the final 5 minutes in the first half and then outscored TCU 10-0 in the fourth quarter to win the game on a walk-off field goal in the closing seconds.

One of the best passing offenses in the country was neutralized as typically stellar Horned Frogs quarterback Josh Hoover failed to throw a touchdown pass for just the third time since the start of the 2024 season (17 games). TCU also managed only 63 rushing yards (not counting sacks) on a little over three yards per attempt.

On defense, the Horned Frogs failed to contain Arizona State star wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, who had 126 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns, in what ended as a disappointing night in the desert. 

On offense

Despite last week’s struggles, the TCU offense presents the Buffs defense with arguably its toughest test of the season. CU has faced primarily run-heavy offenses, and the Horned Frogs will do the exact opposite.

Hoover remains one of the best quarterbacks in the country with over 1,200 passing yards and 11 touchdowns already in 2025.

He also has a trio of talented wide receivers. Even though he missed last week’s game at Arizona State, Eric McAlister remains the team’s leading wide receiver with 320 yards and three touchdowns — with 254 of those yards and all three scorers coming in one game.

TCU also has standout Idaho transfer Jordan Dwyer and Joseph Manjack IV to counteract a sub-par run game that has averaged fewer than 100 yards per game since the excellent performance at North Carolina to open the season.

On defense

It’s a typical TCU team in that the offense is often trying to score enough to mask a less-than-stellar defense.

The Horned Frogs currently rank 11th in the Big 12 in points per game allowed and 14th in yards per game allowed. The majority of their struggles have come through the air as only Oklahoma State is allowing more passing yards per contest. That may not be as crucial against a CU offense that struggled in the passing game for much of last week’s game against BYU.

There are still playmakers on the TCU defense, though.

Linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr leads the team in tackles and also has three sacks, while the safety combination of Bud Clark and Jamel Johnson is one of the best in the conference. 

The TCU Horned Frogs file

Record: 3-1 (0-1 Big 12)

Head coach: Sonny Dykes (4th season, 30-14 record)

Offensive coordinator: Kendal Briles (3rd season)

Defensive coordinator: Andy Avalos (2nd season)

Names to know: QB Josh Hoover, RB Kevorian Barnes, WR Eric McAlister, WR Jordan Dwyer, EDGE Devean Deal, LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB Namdi Obiazor, S Bud Clark, S Jamel Johnson

Betting line: Colorado +13.5 (ESPN Bet)