Can Deion Sanders and Colorado make a push for the Big 12 title? We’ll find out this Saturday.
Deion Sanders has returned from his break and shared some exciting news on Tuesday in Boulder.
“We are heading in a great direction, and I’m very pleased about it,” said the Colorado football coach during his weekly press conference.
The Buffaloes currently hold a 4-1 record after a bye week and are gearing up for their sixth successive game on national television, set to face Kansas State at home on ESPN this Saturday.
They are 2-0 in Big 12 Conference play, bolstered by Heisman Trophy contender Travis Hunter performing on both offense and defense.
Interestingly, they have managed to win three straight games despite returning only a handful of starters from last year’s squad – with just three on the offensive line.
This upcoming game presents a new challenge as they face their first ranked team of the season, the No. 19 Wildcats (4-1). A victory could set the stage for a significant run towards the conference title, while a defeat could remind them of last year’s struggles, where they dropped six consecutive games to wrap up the season at 4-8.
Deion Sanders compares it to smart shopping
On Tuesday, Sanders noted that this year’s team differs greatly from last year’s version, which went through a major roster change after his hiring in December 2022, including letting go of many previous players.
“We had to part ways with some players because we had a short window for recruitment − and I truly mean recruitment,” Sanders stated after taking some time off at his Texas estate. “It’s unfortunate, but that’s the reality of college football now, even with high school athletes. You’re essentially shopping, hoping the team fits well. Sometimes, though, it doesn’t quite look right in practice. We are pleased with our progress, but we still have a long journey ahead.”
After last season, Sanders revamped the team, bringing in 39 new scholarship transfers while parting ways with at least 36 players who still had eligibility left. Among those who left, 31 were recruits that Sanders himself had brought in since he took over in December 2022.
“Everyone on this team has a professional approach,” claimed Colorado running back Dallan Hayden, who transferred from Ohio State. “Many criticize us for filling the team with portal transfers, but most of these players come from winning programs, bringing a strong winning attitude to our squad.”
The outcome of this season could significantly depend on Saturday’s game, where a former player might have an important impact. Running back Dylan Edwards, who moved from Colorado to Kansas State after last season, is part of a dynamic rushing team that currently ranks No. 7 in the nation with an average of 252.2 yards per game, which includes 40.2 yards per game contributed by Edwards.
“I’m proud of him,” Sanders said while discussing Edwards. “I just hope he doesn’t excel against us.”
Safety Shilo Sanders is back
Deion Sanders announced that his son Shilo, who plays as the starting safety for Colorado, will return this Saturday after missing the last three games due to a broken forearm. He will be seen wearing a protective rubber cast after sustaining the injury during Colorado’s only loss of the season on September 7 against Nebraska.
“We should have our entire first-string defense available this week,” Deion Sanders mentioned.
This season, Colorado’s defense has demonstrated a keen ability to hold its ground under pressure, ranking seventh nationally in red zone defense, having allowed only 13 scores out of 21 opponent chances inside the red zone. Additionally, they have limited opponents to seven points or fewer after halftime in four of their five games.
A 4-1 record “is impressive, but there’s always room for improvement,” stated Colorado defensive lineman Chidozie Nwankwo on Tuesday. “We recognize we often leave opportunities on the field in every game.”
