Some coaches might downplay a 4-1 start, but not Deion Sanders. Colorado’s coach took time this week to remind his players how well they’re performing and not to be surprised by it.
While some coaches might try to ignore outside opinions, Sanders is different. He notices everything, and while the feedback was negative early in the season, it’s become much more positive now. He’s trying to stay calm about it all.
“As quick as they jump on, they can jump off. As quick as they support, they try to dismantle. As quick as they love, they could hate,” Sanders said Tuesday as his team returned from a bye week to prepare for No. 18 Kansas State (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) this weekend. “I really don’t get into that. I definitely know who said what for my purposes.”
He is aware that Colorado (4-1, 2-0) is on a three-game winning streak and is in the running for a Big 12 title. His message to the team is to not be surprised by their success.
“How can you be surprised that you’re winning in life?” Sanders asked. “How can you be surprised with the expectation you have for yourself? The only way you can be surprised is if you didn’t expect it.”
Sanders certainly expected this success. However, he wishes he could take back the 28-10 loss to Nebraska on September 7.
“Some of us are still upset about the Nebraska game,” Sanders said. “Because we felt like we weren’t where we are then, where we are right now. … When we practice like we do, prepare like we do, we expect the results.”
The Buffaloes face a significant challenge this weekend against the Wildcats and their strong offense led by quarterback Avery Johnson. Colorado’s defense will be fully ready, with safety Shilo Sanders returning from a forearm injury (he’s wearing a rubber cast).
Since Shilo, the coach’s older son, got hurt against Nebraska, the team has beaten Colorado State, Baylor, and Central Florida.
Deion Sanders’ advice to his team: Just keep grinding.
“I don’t want them to think this is easy and become careless, because a win doesn’t care who gets it,” Sanders said. “It has no mind, no memory, and it doesn’t care at all. So it might as well be us if it has no feelings.”
On Tuesday, Sanders received strong support from athletic director Rick George, who is pleased with what he sees, including sold-out season tickets for two straight years, games on major networks, and the team’s performance.
“We hope that ‘Coach Prime’ finishes his career here,” George said. “He can do significant things for us long-term with longevity. He and I are on the same page about where we want this program to go.”
For the record, Sanders has no hard feelings toward Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards, who left Boulder after last season. Sanders supports Edwards—just not for Saturday’s game.
“Everybody who leaves here the right way, I want them to be successful,” Sanders said. “I just dislike when players leave and then criticize us. … So I appreciate him for not being that guy. We had some great moments together, and he will have many more great moments.”
The baseball playoffs made Sanders think back to his childhood, attending Kansas City Royals spring training games in Fort Myers, Florida. A fan of George Brett, Amos Otis, and others, Sanders would skip school to try to get home run balls. Then, he would sell them.
