Deion Sanders Aims for Dominant Win Against Colorado State After ‘Disrespect’

FORT COLLINS, Colo. – After the game against Colorado State on Saturday night, Travis Hunter ran off the field and paused to sign autographs for fans. One enthusiastic supporter tossed him a Colorado helmet from the front row, while others offered jerseys and gear, hoping to capture a moment from a remarkable football display. The Colorado Buffaloes secured a 28-9 victory, showcasing Hunter’s generational talent.

Coach Deion Sanders praised Hunter’s performance, calling him “phenomenal.” Hunter’s quarterback, his son Shedeur Sanders, expressed even loftier expectations, stating, “There’s no ceiling” on Hunter’s capabilities. However, even Hunter acknowledged his limits after his impressive stats: 13 receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns, alongside five tackles and an interception. He took a quick breather in the fourth quarter after sprinting down a Colorado State player.

“That’s probably the first time I did that,” Hunter reflected, noting that he usually doesn’t leave the field much during games. “I don’t know what happened that time.” Despite feeling exhausted, he planned to recover with an ice bath in Boulder after enjoying a home-cooked meal.

This victory marked a turning point for the Buffaloes (2-1), with Coach Sanders appearing relieved and vindicated in front of the sold-out crowd of 40,099. “We just really wanted it to be decisive,” he declared.

Sanders had a personal stake in this game, citing the previous week’s provocative comments from Colorado State receiver Tory Horton and quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi. These remarks surfaced just days before the game but were made during an interview on August 14, where the players ridiculed the hype surrounding Deion Sanders and his team.

“We’ll see how far Instagram followers get them,” Fowler-Nicolosi had stated then, a sentiment that stirred Sanders’ emotions leading up to the game.

After the game, Sanders took issue with additional remarks made by Fowler-Nicolosi during play. The quarterback was caught on camera gesturing toward Hunter and implying he was too small during a moment when the Rams were trailing 14-3.

“How stupid is that?” Sanders exclaimed post-game. “This is Travis Hunter! Who does that? I wouldn’t allow my kids to act that way.” He also mentioned an incident where a coach from his team may have been elbowed by a Colorado State player during warm-ups. “I just pray that our kids never act in that manner,” Sanders added, expressing concern over potential misconduct from his players if roles were reversed.

Despite the strong emotions, Coach Sanders decided against pulling his starters in the game’s waning moments. Instead, Shedeur Sanders aimed for deep passes, solidifying a commanding lead. “The game is about scoring, isn’t it?” he said, justifying his decision to keep pressing the offense.

Shedeur completed 36 of 49 passes for 310 yards, throwing four touchdowns—two to receiver LaJohntay Western in the first half and two to Hunter in the second half. The Buffs led 14-3 at halftime and underwent a significant improvement in protection, allowing only one sack after previously giving up six in a loss to Nebraska.

Six offensive linemen joined Hunter and Shedeur at the postgame press conference, reflecting the unit’s strong performance. Colorado revamped its offensive line, introducing Phillip Houston as the new starting right tackle, which played a crucial role in the victory.

“I’m truly proud,” Deion Sanders remarked. “Coming off a loss, we heard how terrible we were, but these guys stood tall.”

This win was essential for Sanders, especially after a tough defeat the previous week. A loss could have led to significant scrutiny regarding the progress made under his leadership in his second year. “That was the whole theme of the week – how do you respond?” he stated, highlighting the importance of the game.

The Buffs are now gearing up for their Big 12 Conference play, facing Baylor next Saturday. This game continues a trend of prime-time national broadcasts, with the previous three games aired on major networks.

Colorado’s defense has also begun to find its rhythm, allowing only nine points in the past six quarters. They achieved two interceptions and two recovered fumbles against Colorado State, marking their seventh consecutive win over the Rams. “You see this arrow is headed in the right direction, especially defensively,” Sanders concluded.

Travis Hunter made history as well, setting a school record with his fourth straight game of over 100 receiving yards. His remarkable performance included 13 receptions, five tackles, an interception with a 38-yard return, and a pass breakup, making him a standout player on the field.

“It’s believed to be the first time in the modern era of college football history that a stat line like that has happened,” the team’s communications staff reported after the game.

Source: USA TODAY