Deion Sanders Blowing College Football Playoff Chance As Buffaloes Trail Texas Tech

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports | By Sean Labar | Last updated Nov 9, 2024 5:38 PM ET

By Sean Labar

Deion Sanders has defied the odds so far. After taking over the 1-win Colorado Buffaloes ahead of the 2023 season, “Coach Prime” completely overhauled the roster, brought his new, flashy brand to Boulder and found a way to end last season with four wins.

Despite losing nearly every big game they competed in last year, Colorado suddenly became one of the hottest stories in college football. Sanders didn’t just bring life to the Buffaloes football program, he revitalized the entire school and city. Money came pouring in from donors so he could upgrade the facilities and compete for the nation’s top talent through NIL deals.

This offseason, Coach Prime wasn’t focused on high school recruiting. Instead, the NFL Hall of Fame CB has treated the Colorado football team like a professional franchise. While Colorado ranked last in the Big 12 in the high school recruiting rankings for 2024, the Buffaloes ranked No. 2 in transfer portal rankings this offseason, with 42 new players joining the roster and 45 players from the 2023 team leaving in the transfer portal.

One of the biggest areas Colorado wanted to add talent was on the offensive line. In 2023, QB Shedeur Sanders threw for 3,320 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. But Coach Prime’s son was sacked a staggering 52 times, more than any QB last season.

With four games remaining, the Buffs’ QB has been sacked about half as many times as last season — and heading into today’s game vs. Texas Tech —Colorado boasted a (6-2) record with a chance of making the College Football Playoff if they can win the rest of their regular season games.

The feat didn’t seem unreasonable, considering Colorado was favored in its final four games of the year heading into Saturday’s matchup.

Deion Sanders Blowing College Football Playoff Chance As Colorado Buffaloes Trail Texas Tech

Colorado entered Saturday’s Big 12 clash as narrow favorites over the Red Raiders, who entered the game with a (6-3) record.

But with four minutes left until halftime, the Buffaloes offense has been stagnant, with just 99 yards of total offense.

Colorado has converted just 1-of-5 on third down and has just 10 rushing yards in the contest so far.

Texas Tech cruised to an early 13-0 lead, but Colorado found life in the second quarter. At the 7:33 mark, Sanders capped off a six play, 58-yard drive with a touchdown pass to LaJohntay Wester.

At the two minute timeout, the Colorado Buffaloes have reached Texas Tech territory again, but face a critical fourth and one.

Deion Sanders will feel a whole lot better about pulling off the win if the Buffs can find the end zone before halftime. Either way, Colorado’s slow start could come back to haunt them.

Colorado now trails 13-10 at the halfway point.

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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