Colorado football has been the focus of attention in the early stages of the last two NCAA seasons under Deion Sanders. The Prime Time effect is in full force in Boulder, but projecting Colorado football is a fool’s errand.
Sanders is simply looking for a method to bring the program into bowl game conversations. The Buffaloes have only won more than six games in a single season since 2005. It will be difficult to qualify given the schedule, with Colorado narrowly defeating FCS powerhouse North Dakota State and Mountain West rival Colorado State.
Perhaps that is why the usually outspoken Sanders took the time to praise Dave Aranda’s work in West Texas prior to the sold-out battle.
“Coach Aranda has done a great job of having his team disciplined,” Sanders informed the crowd. “They are very good at what they do. First and foremost, we needed to stop the run. I’m not sure which quarterback will be featured this week, but we’re prepared for both. They have athletes; they are physical and strong. “They don’t make many mistakes.”
Sanders brushed off any compliments from his Colorado football teammates. The last victory was clumsy, to say the least. Trevor Woods was ejected, and Shedeur Sanders was dismissed four times. This week’s lesson is to focus on the fundamentals and persevere in the face of adversity, regardless of who is on the other side.
“First and foremost, we must stop the run,” Sanders answered. “I’m not sure which quarterback they’ll play this week, but we’re prepared for both. They have athletes who are physically fit, strong, and make few mistakes.
“Just because it’s a conference game, it’s still a football game,” Sanders went on. “We know we have to win no matter who’s on the other side. But, no, we don’t say, ‘Oh, this is a conference game, we should go harder.'”
Colorado football finding a way to stay relevant
Even when they don’t win, Heisman Trophy hopefuls keep their teams in the news. They only need signature moments. Colorado football is back on familiar turf after a 13-year absence from the Big XII. It’s time for Shedeur Sanders to showcase his NFL first-round talent.
Sanders threw four touchdown passes to help Colorado defeat Colorado State. He has thrown for 755 yards and eight touchdowns with one interception while completing 74.7% of his passes. The Buffaloes passed a much-needed gut check after rushing for less than 80 yards in their first two games. Sure, Colorado football managed to eke out 109 yards against its in-state foe. Still, it wasn’t a particularly convincing performance, and the opponent’s level is set to rise dramatically.
Colorado football faces Baylor (2-1) at Folsom Field on Saturday. The winner will have an advantage in the Big XII race. The losing coach will have to deal with calls for their job performance to be evaluated sooner rather than later. At least Deion Sanders has a job lined up after his boys join the NFL.
