The debut of Ralphie VII at Folsom Field became one of the most memorable moments of the night, drawing loud cheers from the 53,442 fans on hand and praise from Coach Prime.
Sanders admitted she made an impression “This Ralphie VII ran tonight, right… I heard she was energetic. She started out well and finished strong unlike us.”
For many Colorado fans, Ralphie VII’s seamless debut stood in sharp contrast to Ralphie VI, who never fully embraced the role. Her short tenure was marred by hesitation, unpredictable runs, and what some considered an unmitigated disaster for a tradition that has long defined the Buffs’ gameday atmosphere. That backdrop made Saturday night’s debut feel like a return to form, and Sanders picked up on the difference.
“I think Ralphie did a wonderful job doing the doggone thing she did. And I heard they brought her out for an encore in the second half too. That was great. I love it. I love it. I mean, I wish I could get a chance to just watch. I don’t, I’m too locked in. I’m ready to go. So we sitting over there like a boxer in the corner of the ring, ready to hit touch gloves. We ready to go.”
Ralphie VII is 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙚𝙙 💨#GoBuffs | @CUBuffsRalphie pic.twitter.com/OgL6l5hjHu
— Colorado Buffaloes (@CUBuffs) September 21, 2025
“And I love it though. I’m thankful. I’m happy that the new Ralphie is doing the thing, because the old Ralphie said, ‘I’m done with this. I’m tired. I’m ready to go to the crib.’ So I’m glad the new Ralphie is doing it.”
For Sanders, Ralphie’s debut was another lesson in what makes Colorado football unique and a tradition he fully embraced.
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