Deion Sanders faces the toughest test as Colorado begins its Pac-12 schedule

The fact that Colorado nearly suffered a defeat in a friendly atmosphere against an overmatched opponent in its first loss of the Deion Sanders era was a reminder that the unpredictability of college football goes both ways. Eventually, the outsiders become the hunted, and fate changes from one cent to the next. At kickoff, Colorado was one 23 point favorite. That shouldn’t have been close. However, the close result did not dampen the sunny optimism that prevails in Boulder.

The positive outlook is that Colorado would experience a hiccup. By the 59th minute, Colorado would experience an epic humiliation a week earlier than expected. Then, with less than a minute left, Shedeur Sanders uncorked a solid hit to Jimmy Horn Jr. outside the numbers and inside the 15-yard line. Horn feigned an off-balance defender by shifting his weight to the left and stumbling back to the right, giving him a clear path into the end zone. The ensuing 2-point conversion catapulted both teams into overtime, where Colorado took care of things.

The ego was bruised, but Deion Sanders is still the hottest rising name in college football’s coaching ranks. Paul Finebaums Wish Statement Coach Prime Nick Saban’s successor at Alabama is premature, but he may be on his way to a bigger job. He is arguably the most progressive coach for this era of college football. His avant-garde use of the transfer portal and NIL revitalized the crumbling Buffaloes program and upended the college football establishment. At the end of the day, this is a sport about recruiting players, about appealing to young people. Coaching acumen or “X” and “O” comes second.

Deion couldn’t be this version of himself three years ago, in the previous NIL era. It is the endgame of the unbridled capitalism that is spreading throughout college football. Two years ago, wearing social media handles on athletes’ training uniforms would have resulted in a bowling ban. Deion would have been shot into the dark side of the moon by the NCAA for giving a player a pair of sunglasses, let alone ensuring that sunglasses were distributed to the entire team, as he did in response this week Jay Norvell’s Shadow. Most of Deion Gucci luggage would have had to apply for eligibility after switching from other programs.

But the lightning has become substance. Now Sanders is 3-0 and the prime University Buffaloes are poised to enter their Pac-12 melting pot. The fact that Colorado is ranked before being assigned to the Ducks is a testament to Coach Prime. Colorado’s talent upgrade has them in the top 25, but Oregon and USC have a dozen Travis Hunters. As with rivalry games, showdowns against conference stars often come down to coach preparation, in-game adjustments and a bit of luck. The next two weeks will be the toughest test Shadeur has ever faced outside of the country Celebration bowl. If Colorado thought Colorado State was tough, they ain’t seen nothing yet.

Next week, Colorado will face a Ducks team that has defeated its first three opponents by a margin of 137 points. The following week features fifth-ranked USC and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. Deion has been trying to campaign for his son’s Heisman campaign for a year while still at Jackson State. Shedeur Sanders’ 348 yards and four touchdowns are a little deceptive, but he provided offense when it mattered most.

After the win, Shedeur told ESPN’s Stan Verrett that he channeled his “Brady mode.” Colorado will need Shadeur to make Brady Mode its standard operating procedure. He played no role until the final possession and two overtime periods. His brother Shilo, Deion’s fifth place childhad a greater impact on the return of a Pick-Six and forcing a fumble in the red zone. Shedeur’s Heisman candidacy suffered a major setback before his late game Heroics against Colorado State bolstered his legacy, but in three starts, Caleb Williams was flawless. If ever there was a measure of his rising NFL Draft stock, USC week will provide it.

On the other hand, Colorado may have to play without its best receiver and switch-off corner. Colorado State players chirped all night long. They heard the noise and came to fight. Deadly two-way threat Travis Hunter left in the first quarter after taking a cheap shot from a Colorado State defender. Missing him for the next week or more would be a major blow to Colorado’s slim chances of pulling off an upset in either matchup.

In a sport that relies on these people’s attention spans As mentioned above, the country can move on quickly. Deion survived for a week, but Deion’s disruptive tactics made him and his players prey. After building up the hype, here he is has to endure it.

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