On Saturday, Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes lost to the West Virginia Mountaineers. Following consecutive 50-point losses to Utah and Arizona, the 29-22 loss might feel like a step in the right direction. However, the head coach not happy about dropping another game.
The West Virginia loss officially knocks Colorado out of post season contention. Sitting at 3-7, Colorado mathematically cannot win six games and cannot become bowl eligible. Following a 2024 season that included 9 wins and a Heisman trophy winner, Colorado has significantly regressed this season.
The West Virginia game becomes the fourth game this season where the Buffaloes were within striking distance in the 4th quarter. If even two of those games go differently, bowl eligibility would still be attainable.
During Sanders’ post-game media availability, he addressed several questions, starting with freshman quarterback Julian ‘Juju’ Lewis. “I think he played a good game,” Sanders said. “In his first start, he did some wonderful things. Some things where you can see he’s going to be special. He did some things where you can see his youth. But overall, to me, the kid played well. He played well enough for us to win the game.”
Coach Sanders revealed roster and coaching changes are coming
One aspect that has become almost a trend is the frequency that Coach Sanders claims the team is better than it’s playing. In his press conference, he again reiterated that if people are looking for someone to blame, look no further than the head coach.
“Guys it's too easy to try to shoot at Pat (Shurmur) or try to shoot at somebody. That’s too easy of a target. It’s not Pat’s fault. Whatsoever. I told y’all. Take me. We collectively have to do a better job and that starts with me.”
Sanders reiterated the ‘want’ aspect. One of the many attempts to right the ship included a speech about being in love or being in like with the game. “You gotta really want this thing. You’ve gotta have a locker room full of kids who really want this thing. A lot more than they want some of the things they enjoy,” Sanders said. He also maintains that while the results have not been ideal, he has not seen any quit from his team.
Sanders was asked about a second losing season in three years and if he had a message for the fans. The head coach has been consistent regarding the fanbase. Beyond the aspect of ‘this isn’t good enough’, Sanders pivoted towards personnel and impending changes.
“I want to see them study more, prepare more. Because you need to make some decisions. They gotta make some decisions, in the offseason which directions are we going with them or what directions are they going with us. So that’s tremendous from here on out. It's really roster management, coach management. Understanding what are we going to do going forward. But I promise you there’s going to be some changes.”
It is implied that the changes he spoke of are likely offseason changes. Sanders admitted earlier this week that he’s not likely to make a big announcement. He’s more likely to make a change and see if the viewing public notices. One change that feels like it might stay is the change of Julian Lewis starting.
If Lewis starts the remainder of the games, he will lose the ability to redshirt his freshman season. However, from the comments made by both Sanders and Lewis in their post-game availability, both seem to be somewhat on board with Lewis starting the rest of the way.
The Colorado Buffaloes, to Sanders’ chagrin, have a second bye week next week. After that, the Buffs will welcome Kenny Dillingham’s Arizona State Sun Devils to Folsom Field. Official kickoff time and broadcast partner have not as of yet been announced.
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