Deion Sanders: Pushing Colorado Buffaloes to Greatness After Dramatic Baylor Win
A Stern Warning and a Call to Excellence
Following a thrilling 38-31 overtime victory over the Baylor Bears, Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders was far from complacent. Despite the dramatic win, which included a Hail Mary touchdown to force overtime and a crucial forced fumble to seal the victory, Sanders issued a stark warning to his team, particularly his son, quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Reflecting on the Baylor Win
The win over Baylor was nothing short of miraculous. Colorado trailed by two touchdowns in the second quarter but managed to tie the game with a 43-yard Hail Mary pass from Shedeur Sanders to receiver LaJonhtay Wester. In overtime, the Buffaloes scored and then stopped Baylor's Dominic Richardson just inches short of the goal line with a forced fumble by Travis Hunter.
However, Sanders was quick to point out that such narrow escapes should not become a habit. "We got blessed with the outcome of that game. We really got blessed. You guys are out here like you dominated," he said during practice, emphasizing the need for a stronger mindset and consistent performance.
Challenging Shedeur Sanders
With the Buffaloes set to face Central Florida (UCF) on the road, a team that is a 14-point favorite and boasts an experienced squad with a solid running game under head coach Gus Malzahn, Sanders challenged his son to elevate his game. Shedeur Sanders had an impressive outing against Baylor, throwing for 341 yards and two touchdowns, but his father knows there is more to come.
"When are you going to want this for you? Not for me, for you? For your family? For your siblings? When are you going to want it?" Deion Sanders demanded at practice, pushing Shedeur to demonstrate an extreme desire for success against UCF.
The Road Ahead: UCF Challenge
UCF, led by transfer quarterback KJ Jefferson, is undefeated at 3-0 after a remarkable comeback win over TCU, rallying from 21 points down to win 35-34. This upcoming game against UCF presents a significant test for Colorado, and Sanders is adamant that his team must show more consistency to secure a win.
"The thing about (Shedeur), everyone in here, but maybe a couple of y'all, you know when the ball is in his hands, we got a chance," Deion Sanders said. "Everybody here knows that, right? Except for a couple haters. You know that.".
Maintaining Sportsmanship Amidst Chaos
Despite the intense emotions and chaotic scenes following the Baylor win, Deion Sanders demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship. After the game, he apologized to Baylor for the way Colorado fans stormed the field, preventing the traditional postgame handshake with Baylor's head coach, Dave Aranda. Sanders spent about 25 minutes trying to locate Coach Aranda to show respect and apologize in person.
Nick Saban's Perspective
Alabama's Nick Saban, known for his coaching prowess, has praised Deion Sanders' approach to changing the mindset of his team. Saban noted that restarting practice after a win is about "changing the mindset" and ensuring that the team remains focused and driven[Related News Items].
In conclusion, Deion Sanders is pushing his Colorado Buffaloes to strive for greatness, not just rely on luck or narrow escapes. As they prepare to face UCF, the message is clear: it's time for Shedeur Sanders and the entire team to demonstrate a deeper desire for success and consistency on the field.