The Colorado Buffaloes faced a significant setback in their football season, suffering two heavy defeats in consecutive weeks. After a staggering loss of 53-7 to the University of Utah, the Buffaloes fell again at home, this time to the University of Arizona, with a score of 52-17. Over these two games, the team has been outscored 105-24, highlighting serious issues with consistency, discipline, and the search for a reliable quarterback.
Coach Deion Sanders, often referred to as Coach Prime, has been grappling with the quarterback situation since the departure of his son, Shedeur Sanders. This has led to a rotation of players under center, including Kaidon Salter, Ryan Staub, and freshman Julian Lewis. Unfortunately, none have yet managed to stabilize the team’s performance.
In the game against Arizona, Colorado faced a barrage of penalties and turnovers, committing 14 penalties and five turnovers. By halftime, the Buffaloes were trailing 38-7, leaving nearly 50,000 fans in attendance in stunned silence as the team struggled to maintain its identity, once characterized by its dynamic offense led by Shedeur Sanders.
After the game, a reporter inquired how Sanders would explain these performances to potential recruits and their families. Sanders provided a characteristically blunt response: “I don’t have to explain it. They saw it… See, you got to understand: if you a dawg, you wanna come here and right the wrong. If you a cat, you look at the scoreboard and run. Which one are you? A dog or a cat?” This statement underscored his desire for recruits who thrive under pressure and see challenges as opportunities.
Despite the tough losses, Sanders took accountability for the team’s struggles. He opted not to allow his coaching staff or players to attend the post-game press conference, asserting that he alone bears the responsibility for the team’s performance. “Don’t attack the coordinators. Come at me. Don’t attack the players. Come at me. This is me,” he stated firmly.
He also acknowledged the team’s difficulties, describing their penalty count as “horrible” and admitting that preparation had been lacking. Yet, he defended his players, insisting they have not given up: “We’re not executing. We’re not getting it done, and that’s lack of preparation. But I know this team personally. They haven’t checked out. I know a quitter when I see one. I haven’t seen that,” he remarked.
Currently, the Buffaloes sit at 3-6 overall and 1-5 in the Big 12 conference, with their chances for redemption diminishing rapidly. The offensive line struggles continue, the quarterback situation remains uncertain, and the defense has given up more than 100 points in the past two games.
Despite these challenges, Sanders remains determined. “I don’t doubt me. Let’s get that straight. I’m built for this,” he asserted. His conviction serves as a rallying cry for the team and its supporters, who hope to see the same drive reflected in the players as Sanders has demonstrated. The message is clear: the door remains open for those ready to confront adversity and fight for the program’s future.
