In Boulder, Colorado, Deion Sanders animatedly impersonated the distinct sound of a four-wheeler racing at full throttle. This was a humorous nod to standout two-way player Travis Hunter, who had spent the weekend tearing around Sanders’ property in Texas. Yet, this playful imitation could have easily symbolized the excitement surrounding the Buffaloes’ current momentum.
As the 21st-ranked Buffaloes (6-2, 4-1 in the Big 12) bounced back from a bye week, Sanders expressed his enthusiasm for the team’s sharp and focused practice session on Tuesday. So impressive was their performance that he felt compelled to gather the players midway through practice just to acknowledge their hard work and dedication. The players initially worried they might be in trouble; however, Sanders was simply looking to celebrate their effectiveness.
During his weekly press conference, Sanders expressed a desire for his team to fly under the radar regarding rankings, despite their ascent in the polls. “Rankings are like a tease, man,” he remarked while preparing for an upcoming game against Texas Tech (6-3, 4-2) on Saturday. He emphasized the danger of letting rankings affect a team’s mindset, insisting that the team understands its identity without being swayed by external validation.
Hunter’s weekend break from football wasn’t just about relaxation; it included fishing and late-night adventures on his four-wheeler. Sanders, hearing the roar of the engine from his room, couldn’t help but worry about Hunter’s safety and the potential backlash if anything were to happen to one of his key players. “I kept thinking, ‘You better not fall off this darn thing,’” he joked, recalling how he worried about public scrutiny if Hunter were to get hurt.
As Hunter works towards his goal of the Heisman Trophy, his packed schedule hardly allowed him to catch his breath. Just moments after he finished riding, he was on a flight to University Park, Pennsylvania, where he appeared on ESPN’s “GameDay” and Fox’s “Big Noon Kickoff.” All of this happened with virtually no sleep.
Sanders expressed amusement upon spotting Hunter on television just after his departure. “I can’t believe he’s already making the media rounds,” he laughed, noting Hunter’s remarkable energy and likability, which makes him a standout both on and off the field.
As the Buffaloes head into their matchup against Texas Tech, they carry the confidence of a team that has won three consecutive road games for the first time in over two decades. Last year, they struggled with a 2-4 road record. When asked whether his team had learned from past failures, Sanders shifted the narrative, focusing on his winning perspective and the determination to succeed. “I don’t rest in failure or complacency. I focus on who I am and where I’m going,” he said.
With just a month left in the season, the Buffaloes are eyeing potential achievements, including a conference title and a chance at the College Football Playoff. For Sanders, these aspirations come as no surprise. “We’ve been through a lot, and we’re ready for this moment. We expect to be competing at this level,” he stated confidently.
Looking ahead to their game against the Red Raiders, who recently triumphed over No. 17 Iowa State, Sanders acknowledged the challenges awaiting them in Lubbock, Texas. “It’s going to be a daunting challenge,” he noted. The Buffaloes are preparing for a hostile environment, aware of the tradition among Texas Tech fans of tossing tortillas during games. “I hope that’s legal,” he joked. “But we’re ready to give them a show and hope they’ll have plenty to throw at us.”
The upcoming clash certainly promises to be an eventful one, given both teams’ respective trajectories this season.