Deion Sanders Criticized for Late-Game Timeout Blunder

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports | By Jay Berry | Last updated Aug 30, 2025 1:31 PM ET

Deion Sanders, head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes (0-1), faced significant criticism for his time management during the final drive of their 27-20 loss to Georgia Tech (1-0) in the 2025 season opener on Aug. 29. A game that highlighted the challenges of his third year at Colorado following the departure of key players like Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders.

Saving Timeouts

Sanders’ decision not to use two remaining timeouts in the closing minutes was pivotal as it allowed Georgia Tech to run down the clock after Haynes King’s critical 5-yard touchdown run with 1:07 left securing the road victory for the Yellow Jackets. In a post-game press conference, Sanders defended his strategy, saying, “I think we got out of bounds a couple times so we didn’t have to take them,” referring to the timeouts, and emphasizing a plan to preserve them for potential future needs. “So we were just really trying to preserve them, we certainly needed them.”

Questionable Approach

This approach was questioned by analysts and fans alike, especially given the high stakes of the game and the Buffaloes’ inability to mount a final offensive play as their Hail Mary attempt was batted down in the end zone. The mistake is part of a broader narrative of adjustment for Colorado, now relying on transfer quarterback Kaidon Salter, who replaced Shedeur, and facing a roster rebuild after a 9-4 season in 2024.

Sanders’ comments reflect a misunderstanding of the situation. Critics argued that using the timeouts could have given Colorado a chance to tie or win the game, rather than relying on incomplete passes and out-of-bounds plays that did not sufficiently stop the clock.

This coaching blunder underscores the pressure on Sanders, who signed a massive five-year, $54 million contract making him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football and to deliver results despite the significant changes to his team. The Buffaloes are home next week in a winnable game against Delaware. It was a terrible moment for Sanders. With his competitive nature, it would be surprising if he makes that mistake again.

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

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