Colorado’s first game this season is against North Dakota State, one of the top lower-Division I teams in the nation, after not playing any Football Championship Subdivision teams last year.

North Dakota State has surprised several Football Bowl Subdivision teams lately and claimed nine FCS national titles since 2011. With new head coach Tim Polasek at the helm, the Bison pose a tough test for the Buffs on Aug. 29.

During Big 12 football media days last week, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders expressed full respect for North Dakota State, the Buffs’ Week 1 opponent.

Here’s what Coach Prime had to say about the Bison:

“They’re really darned good,” Sanders said. “I’m mad at (CU athletic director) Rick (George) for putting them on the schedule, to open up with them. Can you give me a layup or something? Those guys are wonderful. Their staff has always been amongst the best. Many people have matriculated from that staff to go to higher levels. Those kids play their butts off. They play tough. They don’t make many mistakes. They’re accustomed to winning. They don’t gave a darned about being at home or on the road. That doesn’t faze them whatsoever.

“We can’t wait to see them. It’s going to be a phenomenal game, (a) phenomenal matchup. That program is second to none.”