Following a crushing 53-7 defeat to the Utah Utes, Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders delivered a stern message to his team on their flight home. He emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, “I didn’t want to hear a peep. I didn’t want to hear laughter or joy, anything, because we got our butts kicked.” The Buffaloes, who now hold a record of 3-5 overall and 1-4 in the Big 12, are in urgent need of improvement as they prepare to face the Arizona Wildcats on October 28, 2023.
Since the loss, Sanders has dedicated extensive hours to analyzing the game footage, consulting with his coaching staff, and communicating with players to understand the causes of the defeat. The Buffaloes had previously enjoyed a significant victory against a ranked Iowa State team and were coming off a bye week before the blowout loss, raising questions about their performance consistency.
Addressing Team Challenges
The defeat to Utah exposed several vulnerabilities within the Buffaloes’ gameplay, notably in quarterback performance, rushing efficiency, and defensive resilience. Quarterback Kaidon Salter struggled significantly, throwing an interception and enduring five sacks as Utah capitalized on Colorado’s weaknesses against blitzes. In an attempt to regain control, Sanders switched to Ryan Staub, who faced similar challenges, being sacked two additional times. Promising freshman Julian Lewis has not seen playtime since Week 2, leaving the team searching for offensive stability.
Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, Colorado has ranked low in the Big 12, averaging just 22.6 points, 130.1 rushing yards, and 203.5 passing yards per game. The defense also struggled, allowing Utah’s freshman quarterback Byrd Ficklin to rush for 151 yards and throw two touchdown passes. The defensive unit has permitted an average of 27.4 points and 427.6 yards per game this season.
Finding Motivation and Building Team Spirit
Sanders is working diligently to instill a sense of urgency and motivation among his players. He introduced a conversation about hobbies, encouraging players to engage in activities they enjoy. “When you do that, do you give it your all? They said, ‘Yeah.’ I said, ‘Well, why don’t we do the same thing with this game? Let’s give it your absolute all. Make it your hobby,’” Sanders explained.
Defensive back Preston Hodge echoed this sentiment, stating, “We know what we can do. Everybody has to stay together.” As the season nears its conclusion, the Buffaloes are keenly aware that they must secure three victories in their remaining four games to remain eligible for bowl participation, a goal they aim to achieve.
Sanders continues to assess the team’s dynamics and motivation levels, asserting, “I’m not a settler, man. We want that same mentality in that locker room.” He recognizes that not all players may share this mindset but remains committed to fostering a unified team spirit.
In a lighter moment, Sanders addressed the unconventional pre-game ritual involving defensive pass rush coordinator Warren Sapp, who kicks over the end-zone pylons. Sanders clarified, “That’s our little thing. Stop trying to make something out of nothing,” as social media continues to highlight their antics.
Sanders concluded by emphasizing the need for patience in building a successful program, a quality he believes is often overlooked in today’s fast-paced world. He remarked on the unfortunate dismissals of some of his coaching peers, highlighting the pressure for immediate results in sports. “Everything is expeditious in this country. Everyone wants the quick fix,” he said.
As the Buffaloes prepare for their upcoming match, the focus remains on resilience and improvement, with Sanders leading the charge to ensure his team emerges stronger from this setback.
