Shedeur Sanders made the most of his final season opener in Colorado. The Buffaloes quarterback seemed to have the offense under control, throwing for over 400 yards in the fourth quarter. He did it all in front of a large professional crowd at Folsom Field. According to CU Athletics, a total of 31 scouts from 19 NFL teams traveled to Boulder.

While the protection around Shedeur has taken a step in the right direction, his decision-making has gotten better with another offseason. One NFL scout noted that Sanders wanted to get off the ball more often and avoid ill-advised sacks. Another NFL representative told BuffsBeat that there’s a factor that most average fans don’t take into account.

Sanders has gained weight in the offseason and it shows in his game. “He’s got a bigger frame this year and that’s a big plus for us. He’s been able to maintain more contact and be harder to take down,” the scout said.

WATCH: Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders 69-yard touchdown to Jimmy Horn Jr. vs. NDST

Colorado largely abandoned the run for the first three quarters of the game. This allowed Sanders to emerge as a threat and take over for the Buffs. Travis Hunter collected three touchdowns from Sanders in the game. It’s clear to say that both of CU’s stars knew they were playing on a bigger stage.

The Buffs advance to face Nebraska in Lincoln next week. It will be a huge test for Sanders and Hunter with Colorado on NBC for the first time in nearly 30 years.