In his second year at the helm of the Colorado Buffaloes, head coach Deion Sanders is vocal about his preferences when it comes to game day scheduling. While the Hall of Famer appreciates the exposure that comes with nationally televised late kickoffs, he admits that the timing presents challenges for his team.
“We don’t like it, but we do love it,” Sanders confessed during a recent press conference, acknowledging the double-edged sword of prime-time slots. The Buffaloes, sitting at 5-2 overall and 3-1 in the Big 12, are set to host Cincinnati this Saturday with a 10:15 p.m. ET kickoff on ESPN.
Sanders, ever the realist, recognizes the value of the national spotlight. “We’re not going to turn our nose up at being on national television,” he conceded, before adding, “Yeah, we could argue with the time, but we’re still appreciative and thankful.”
Late-Night Drama in Boulder
The Buffaloes have already proven their flair for late-night drama this season. In a thrilling overtime victory against Baylor last month, Colorado stunned the Bears with a Hail Mary touchdown pass to force extra time, followed by a game-winning forced fumble by two-way standout Travis Hunter.
Hunter, a Heisman hopeful who plays both receiver and cornerback, is expected to see increased action against Cincinnati after being limited by a shoulder injury last week. “He’s on point with his conditioning, because he never tires, and we want to keep that what it is,” Sanders praised.
Chasing Bowl Eligibility and Beyond
With a win over the Bearcats, Colorado would secure its first six-win season since 2016, putting them in prime position for a coveted bowl berth. The Buffaloes last appeared in the postseason in 2020, a COVID-shortened campaign that culminated in an Alamo Bowl invitation.
“We’ve earned what we are,” Sanders asserted, before adding, “But we actually feel like we’re better than what we are, because we’re just starting to see the fruit of the work and the understanding of the expectation that we have for ourselves.”
In a crowded Big 12 title race featuring two undefeated teams and four others with just one conference loss, the Buffaloes control their own destiny. “We could be in a much better place, but we control our own destiny, and we like that,” Sanders noted.
Shedeur Sanders Shines, Ground Game Grinds
Offensively, Colorado is finding success behind the play of quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the coach’s son, despite occasional struggles in the running game. The defense, meanwhile, has been a force, racking up 16 sacks over the last three contests.
We expect that. We expect them to be where they are right now. We expected that several weeks ago. They’re just now meeting the expectations that we have for them.
— Deion Sanders on his team’s defensive performance
Sanders’ Disdain for Analytics
One thing Sanders doesn’t appreciate? The growing influence of analytics in football decision-making. “Who is the guy named analytics? I never met him. I’ve never seen him. I don’t know what he looks like,” Sanders quipped, drawing laughs from the assembled media.
Forget analytics, man. You’ve got to know your team and what they’re capable of.
— Deion Sanders on trusting his instincts over data
As the Buffaloes prepare for their next prime-time test, Sanders remains focused on the task at hand, late kickoff and all. With a surging defense, a potential superstar in Hunter, and a coach unafraid to speak his mind, Colorado is must-see TV – even if it means a few extra cups of coffee for Coach Prime.
