The Prime Effect: Colorado-Colorado State Was The Most-Watched CFB Game Of The Season And 5th-Most Watched Ever On ESPN

What is happening at Colorado can't be overstated. Deion Sanders has turned a program that was a national afterthought just a season ago into one that's setting viewership records for a game against Colorado State. Saturday night's game peaked at 11.1 million viewers, which is just shy of the average viewership of the 2023 NBA Finals.

CU's game this week on the road against Oregon is going to be a tall task without Travis Hunter, but if the Buffs somehow find a way to win that one, next Saturday against USC in Boulder will be unlike anything you've ever seen before. I don't even know what number I'd venture to guess in terms of viewership, but I'd be fairly surprised if it didn't threaten 15 million — again, assuming Colorado is still undefeated.

Regardless, the Buffs are almost certainly destined for a bowl berth at minimum in Coach Prime's first season and they have a sideline that looks like a mix of the Grammys and Pro Football Hall of Fame every week. Somehow, Boulder has become the epicenter of American sports.

I'd say Colorado made the right hire.