What Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets' Brent Key Said About Colorado Buffaloes, Deion Sanders

Key's Yellow Jackets, who will host the Buffs in Atlanta next season, aim to maximize the national spotlight they'll receive on Friday. Colorado has been one of the most-viewed teams in college football over the past two years, and its season opener figures to earn plenty of eyeballs across the country.

"We have a chance to go on national TV to open the season on a Friday night and play such a really quality opponent," Key said on the podcast. "It's such an honor to play a guy like Deion Sanders, coach to coach. We were both hired the same year (2022). I was a huge fan of his growing up. I was a football and baseball player, and wanted to be him and Bo Jackson. It was those two, the dual-sport guys."

Doubling down on what he said at ACC Media Days, Key confirmed that he plans on getting an autograph and selfie from "Coach Prime" before the game.

"I'm gonna see if I can take his rookie card out pregame, get him to sign it for me, take a selfie," Key said. "It's gonna be cool. It's a great opportunity."

Georgia Tech Embracing Big Stage

Georgia Tech proved on multiple occasions last season that it doesn't shy away from big stages. Although the Yellow Jackets' 7-6 record didn't turn many heads, they upset then-No. 4 Miami and nearly beat then-No. 6 Georgia in an eight-overtime thriller.

"For the players, it puts them on a stage," Key said. "At the end of the day, we're performers. Coaches, players, we're performers on a stage. Our stage is a little bigger than others. To be under the lights, to go out there and perform and play high-quality opponents, you give me anybody, and we'll go play at 5 o'clock and meet at the park. That's who we are."

Setting The Stage For Colorado-Georgia Tech

As Key and Sanders coach from the sidelines, Friday's matchup in Boulder will feature several accomplished players. Quarterback Haynes King and running back Jamal Haynes are set to lead Georgia Tech's talented offense, and fifth-year veteran Kaidon Salter is expected to earn Colorado's starting quarterback job.

The third season opener of Colorado's "Coach Prime" era will kick off at 6 p.m. MT on ESPN.