BLOCK OF ROCK — Unlike many other teams across the country, the Colorado Buffaloes don’t have the luxury of opening the season with a cupcake.

North Dakota State will challenge Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders’ Buffs to their limits in their season-opening test game on Thursday at Folsom Field (6 p.m., ESPN).

Don’t let NDSU’s FCS designation lull you into a false sense of security. The Bison — who made the national semifinals last year and are ranked No. 2 in the FCS preseason poll this season — are a deep, talented team. They have key starters on both sides of the ball and a new head coach, Tim Polasek, who is well-versed in the approach that has made NDSU a regular national title contender.

The Buffaloes are definitely not taking the Bison lightly. Coach Prime and his staff have prepared their team for a tough, physical battle that will test CU offensively and defensively.

Thursday’s game will give the nation its first look at Coach Prime’s restructuring efforts. In his second year at the helm in Boulder, Sanders rebuilt CU’s offensive and defensive lines while adding key players at nearly every other position. He also made significant personnel changes, including hiring new coordinators Robert Livingston (defense) and Pat Shurmur (Attack).

But the most important parts of CU’s attack are the returning players, starting with the quarterback Shedeur SandersTwo-way star Travis Hunterwide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr.Security Shilo Sanders and linebackers LaVonta Bentley And Trevor Woods. They give CU a foundation on which the Buffaloes believe they can build a winning record this year and secure a spot in the postseason.

So how do they get off to a good start and open the season with a win? Our first edition of our weekly Fast Five:

1. Give QB Sanders time to actOK, this is no secret. CU’s fortunes all season will depend heavily on how much time Sanders has to spend in the pocket.

Sanders is one of the best quarterbacks in the country. He is very accurate at all distances, has a penchant for big plays, doesn’t lose the ball, and can keep plays alive with his feet.

But if the Buffs want to take a step forward this season, they’ll need to roughly halve the total number of sacks allowed (56) from last year — and that won’t be easy against an NDSU defense that returns nine starters from last year, including the top four tacklers and four top-tier defensive linemen.

The Buffs’ new offensive line must give Sanders free rein, giving him time to keep the ball moving and put the Bisons under pressure early.

2. Make the most of your team’s speed. Physically, especially in the trenches, the Bisons will be a match for Colorado. They are used to playing hard and tough, and the Buffs will not be able to intimidate them.

But what the Bison don’t usually see in their FCS schedule is the team speed that CU possesses, especially on the outside. From Horn to Hunter to LaJohntay Wester To Will Sheppardthe Buffs are faster on the big plays. If CU can use that speed, Colorado will be the difference maker on the big plays.

3. Don’t let NDSU dictate the pace. The only way to ensure QB Sanders and Co. don’t dominate the game is to keep them off the field – and you can bet the Bison will do their best to build a running game with that in mind.

North Dakota State averaged nearly 240 yards per game last year (fourth in the FCS). While they need to replace their running backs, they have two quarterbacks who provide plenty of movement with their legs. Cam Miller threw for 2,688 yards and 19 touchdowns last season and ran for 629 yards and 13 touchdowns. Fellow QB Cole Payton, a physically imposing 6’3″ and 230 lbs., ran for 615 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Count on the Bisons to try to establish a running game, dictate the tempo and run the clock. They will throw just enough to keep CU’s secondary on its toes and not cheat to help the run defense.

To counteract that, Colorado’s pass rush must stay honest, protect the edge, and keep quarterbacks from getting outside, while the interior must prevent the Bisons from establishing a power run game between the tackles.

Overall, this should be a great test for the CU defense, which knows it needs to drastically improve its run defense.

4. Create trend-setting moments. The Bisons aren’t intimidated by a packed house in Folsom. They’re not intimidated by an FBS team, either.

But the Buffs can gain control early with some big plays, whether it’s a couple of long balls early on or a possession gain by the defense. If Colorado can put the Bison under pressure, they’ll be forced to play catch-up – a game they’re not used to.

The atmosphere in Folsom promises to be electric, and if the Buffs can use that to their advantage, they can take control early.

5. Don’t make stupid mistakes. The Buffs can’t afford to make unnecessary mistakes that keep the Bisons in the game. That means limiting penalties and missed assignments and avoiding turnovers.

NDSU will be looking for opportunities like that. Any mistake from Colorado will give the Bisons confidence — and the Buffs don’t need to give them any undeserved help in that regard.

Chances are this game won’t be tied until the second half. If Colorado plays error-free, the Buffs should be able to take full control in the final period and decide the game.

But this is not a game where CU wants to give its opponent hope in the fourth quarter. The Buffs need to make sure they are in control in the crucial moments.

If they manage to do that, they will be 1-0 ahead of the decisive game against Nebraska next week.