“No one wants to see us win”

Deion Sanders earned one of the most important victories of his coaching career at Colorado with a dominant 48-21 victory over previously undefeated UCF.

The win, in his second season with the Buffaloes, moves Colorado closer to the national rankings and highlights its resurgence under Sanders’ leadership. Shedeur Sanders, Deion’s son, played a crucial role, throwing for 290 yards and three touchdowns. Colorado’s victory marks its third straight victory after a tough loss to Nebraska, demonstrating the team’s resilience and ability to bounce back.

Despite entering the game as a two-touchdown underdog, Colorado put together a strong performance, led by Travis Hunter. Hunter made an impact on both sides of the ball, recording a touchdown and an interception in the first half. His interception celebration, striking the iconic Heisman pose, sent a message about his confidence and candidacy for the prestigious award.

In the postgame press conference, Deion Sanders addressed the underdog narrative surrounding his team. “We’re underdogs every week,” he said, noting that the national media often doubts Colorado’s chances. However, he has made it clear that his team thrives in this environment and is not letting outside opinions shake his confidence. He also called for fairness, urging the media to balance criticism and praise for his players, who have worked tirelessly to achieve success.

“Nobody wants to see us win, you know, except our fans,” Sanders added. “Nobody nationally wants to see us go down. It’s just the nature of the game. We’re not mad about it. It doesn’t bother us. We know who we are. We know how we go down.”

Sanders also spoke about his team’s mental toughness amid travel disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene. With practices moved to accommodate the weather, the team’s preparation took a hit, but Sanders praised his players for staying focused and united during the challenges. He highlighted how the players responded well to the situation, spending time together studying film and bonding, which translated into a unified effort on the field.

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On the defensive end, Sanders recognized the threat posed by UCF quarterback KJ Jefferson and running back RJ Harvey. Colorado’s defense aimed to stifle UCF’s running game, forcing them to adjust their strategy. The Buffaloes’ ability to contain the UCF offense, combined with their potent scoring ability, swung the game in Colorado’s favor.

Sanders finished by expressing pride in the direction of his program, attributing Colorado’s success to hard work, dedication and adequate staffing. While acknowledging there is room for improvement, he believes the team is heading in the right direction.