BOULDER, Colo. — Deion Sanders, known during his playing days as “Prime Time,” has revealed a distinct preference for early game kickoffs now that he is coaching. Although late-night games do elevate the Colorado Buffaloes’ visibility in front of a national audience, Sanders has shared his coaching perspective that leans towards earlier starts.
During his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Sanders listed his “likes” and “dislikes.” Among the positives were the pristine grass he admires during his campus walks, the rising performance of his defense with increased sack production, the return to health for standout two-way player Travis Hunter, and the team being just one win shy of securing bowl eligibility. On the flip side, Sanders expressed his frustration with a reliance on analytics over instinct and the challenges posed by late-game starts well beyond his normal bedtime.
“We’re not fond of it, but we appreciate the opportunity,” Sanders remarked about the late evening kickoff. The Buffaloes, currently at 5-2 overall with a 3-1 Big 12 record, are set to host Cincinnati (5-2, 3-1) on Saturday with the game commencing at 10:15 p.m. ET on ESPN. Colorado’s games under the spotlight have often produced thrilling moments, including a recent victory over Baylor that featured a dramatic last-minute touchdown and a vital forced fumble by Hunter in overtime.
In anticipation of the match against Cincinnati, Sanders is adjusting his team’s routine to ensure his players remain alert and prepared for the late kickoff. He emphasized the importance of sleep and rest in getting ready for the contest.
Expecting Travis Hunter to return in better shape after he limited his play in a recent 34-7 victory at Arizona, Sanders acknowledged that Hunter’s rest has been vital for recovery. Although the versatile player recorded only two catches in his last outing, Sanders is optimistic about Hunter’s contributions moving forward, noting, “He’s on point with his conditioning, because he never tires.”
In Sanders’ second year at Colorado, the Buffaloes are poised to achieve their first six-win season since 2016, when they finished with a record of 10-4 under coach Mike MacIntyre and participated in the Alamo Bowl. That season, they also earned a bowl bid in the COVID-affected 2020 season under Karl Dorrell, finishing 4-2. “We’ve earned the position we’re in,” Sanders stated. “Yet, we believe we are capable of more, as we are beginning to witness the results of our hard work and the standards we’ve set for ourselves.”
Colorado finds itself in the mix for the Big 12 title amid a competitive landscape featuring two undefeated teams, BYU and Iowa State, alongside several other teams with only one loss, including Kansas State, Cincinnati, Colorado, and Texas Tech.
Despite some inconsistencies in the run game, the Buffaloes’ offense has been effective, scoring about 31 points per game behind quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Defensively, the squad has been impressive with 16 sacks in their last three contests, highlighted by seven against Arizona.
“We have always had high expectations for our pass rushers,” the coach remarked. “They are finally beginning to live up to what we have anticipated from them.” However, Sanders made it clear he does not rely on analytics to inform his decisions. “Who is this analytics guy? I’ve never met him. I don’t know what he looks like. Forget analytics; you need to know your team and its capabilities,” he joked. “Sometimes, understanding your team’s needs is just common sense.”