Deion Sanders, the charismatic head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, found himself in an unusual spot during his post-game press conference on Thursday night. Despite his team’s 31-26 victory over North Dakota State, Sanders had mixed feelings. While the Buffaloes managed to secure a win, the game’s ending left Sanders and his team feeling like they barely escaped with a victory.
After a hot start, Colorado nearly let the game slip away due to poor time management and defensive lapses. This left Sanders questioning his team’s ability to maintain focus under pressure. “You ever felt like you won but you didn’t win?” Sanders asked, reflecting on the game’s close call.
The Sanders Duo: A Father-Son Dynamic
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Deion’s son, was a standout performer, completing 26 of 34 passes for 445 yards and four touchdowns. Two-way star Travis Hunter also shone, contributing with explosive plays that kept the Buffaloes ahead. However, Deion Sanders was quick to critique his son’s decision-making in the final minutes. Instead of running out the clock, Shedeur opted for risky long passes, nearly giving North Dakota State a chance to turn the game around.
“I’m just reminding him of the darn clock,” Deion Sanders said, emphasizing the importance of time management. “I say, `You see that big thing up there? That’s the clock. Those numbers up there running down like that? That’s for you, OK? Look at that.'”
A Mixed Bag for Colorado’s Defense
Despite holding a comfortable lead of 31-20 late in the game, Colorado’s defense allowed a 20-yard touchdown run, narrowing the gap to 31-26. With just over two minutes remaining, the Buffaloes found themselves under pressure to prevent another upset. The defense, which had shown improvement in the second half, faltered momentarily, nearly costing them the game.
“Let’s move on,” Deion Sanders remarked, trying to keep his frustration in check. “I’m gonna try my best to hold back my anger, but we got the W so I’m happy.”
Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead
Shedeur Sanders acknowledged his need to improve clock management, stating, “Everything in my life, I always was able to learn from it. So it’s not too many mistakes you’re going to see me make twice.” This mindset is crucial for a team looking to build momentum and avoid repeating past errors.
Deion Sanders also downplayed concerns about the running game, highlighting the team’s overall offensive performance. “You would love to run the ball a little more, but shoot, when you got over 500 yards of total offense, I’m pretty good,” he said. “Balance is wins, really. That’s what balance is.”
With the season opener behind them, the Buffaloes are now focusing on their next game against Nebraska. Sanders, known for his motivational skills, understands the importance of each game as a stepping stone toward the team’s ultimate goals. Colorado aims to not only secure a bowl game appearance but also make a statement that they are a force to be reckoned with in college football.
As the Buffaloes continue to adjust and improve, one thing is clear: under Deion Sanders’ leadership, Colorado is not just looking to win games; they are looking to redefine what it means to be a winner.
