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Following a resounding defeat to Oklahoma State, the Colorado Buffaloes are seeking to regroup as they prepare for Week 9. Head coach Deion Sanders held a press conference on Tuesday to discuss the upcoming clash with Kansas State and to reflect on the Week 8 loss.
Reviewing the game film, Sanders noted that his team played with effort but was deflated by a crucial turnover. "That was a tremendous blow after the adjustments we made at halftime," Sanders said. "I told them what we needed to do, and then we fumbled on the first play. It took the air out of a lot of them. It was like, 'Here we go again,' instead of 'Let's go get them.' We need more of that mentality, and that's on me."
When asked if he sensed any quit in his players, Sanders firmly denied it. "Knowing these young men, no. It was a body shot during the game, but they haven't quit. I haven't seen give up or quit in these men, the coaches, or myself. Not whatsoever." He added, "We're not happy with where we are. We want to win for everybody at CU—the fan base, Miss Peggy, Rick George, Fernando Lovo, everyone. It's just not going our way right now, and that's on me."
Sanders also revealed that he challenged his cornerbacks during meetings on Sunday and Monday. "We challenged some guys and applauded others. You can't just go at them all the time; you have to give them love too. Some guys played well in the defensive backfield, but our corners need to step up. We have to prepare them better, and that's on me."
Looking ahead to Saturday's game, Sanders stressed the need for consistency. "We're not consistent. We've been consistent on special teams—I told you how easy it was to bring solvency there, and we pretty much did. But defensively, offensively, running the ball, throwing the ball, creating turnovers, eliminating penalties—we need consistency. The only thing we're consistent in is getting penalties, and that doesn't make sense. We've got to prepare much better."
Reflecting on how he's handled adversity this season compared to previous years, Sanders said, "Pain is pain. I don't think it's a different type of pain. I hate losing because I don't consider myself a loser. We have different young men on this team, and many are winners. We just haven't put it together to meet expectations, and that's not good. We have to fix that. I have to fix that. It's the same hard feeling. I don't compare seasons because of different staffs, players, and thought processes."
On whether it's been more difficult to find consistency with this roster, Sanders explained, "We have ups and downs. Sometimes we're really good in certain areas, sometimes not. We haven't put it all together—special teams, offense, and defense in one moment. That's baffling to me. What's even more baffling is how structured we are, yet we commit 10-11 penalties. We're still trying to figure that out."
Regarding Julian Lewis's chance to start again, Sanders placed the responsibility on Lewis. "That's on him. I don't treat people unfairly. I don't play games with young men and their careers. If anything, I'm too forgiving and kind. You have to understand that we may know more because we're inside the locker room. You on the outside think you see inside, but you don't. That's not a shot at anyone; it's just the truth."
When asked if he's seen Lewis fight for the starting job, Sanders declined to elaborate. "If I answer that, you may say I'm taking a shot at a kid, and I won't do that. I'm not going down that rabbit hole. I've been brutally honest all my life, and I've never been questioned on my integrity. So I don't want to go there. You guys do your homework."
On the lack of rotation in the running back room, Sanders said, "Damian got carries. You complain when we play several guys, then you complain when we play one. We're trying to get a rhythm. You're going to see Richard Young a lot more this week, I promise. JaQuail Smith is explosive, Dame has made big plays, DeKalon Taylor has too. It's about protection, style of opponent, and practice performance. We can't reward guys who haven't practiced well. It's hard to please that many good backs, but we're trying to put the right guy in there. You'll see nine a lot more this week."
As for grading his own performance, Sanders said, "I don't grade me. I didn't do that when I played, and I won't now. That's up to you guys. I want to win with all my heart, and I'm sad we're not winning—for everyone, not just you guys, but for Rick, Peggy, the chancellors, the president, and the whole fan base. I really do."
Addressing criticism, Sanders remarked, "You guys think this just started. I received criticism when I got to Jackson State, when I left Jackson, when we were coaching kids and beating everybody. This is normalcy because I'm different. I'm unapologetic about what I say and how I live. I love the Lord with all my heart, which is controversial. But I'm not here to please men; I'm here to please God."
He also clarified a report that he would pay people not to talk about him. "I think you misinterpreted that. I said, like some of you in here, I would love to give you money and not mention my name, and I want to see how far that goes. That was a joke."
On a common misconception about him, Sanders said, "I never talked when I played. That was all a lie. I never belittled, downgraded, or hated. I never said anything to my opponent. I never talked on the field. I danced. I high-stepped. Never spiked the ball in somebody's face. I wasn't raised like that. I've always been respectful. I would never insult anyone or their kids. I don't get down like that."
Regarding his coordinators' response to the losing skid, Sanders expressed full support. "I love them. Please give me all the responsibility. Our coordinators are wonderful and doing a wonderful job. We can always do better, but put it on me. My shoulders are good. They're not happy with where we are, but it's not on them."
What keeps him optimistic? "What I see on a daily basis—and I'm not blind—I feel good about it. I don't see us getting our butts kicked. I never see that. I'm not built like that. I see guys still fighting, still loving the game, still speaking life into their teammates, still doing their jobs. I love the challenge. I thrive on these atmospheres. I like being that dude you're shooting at. I'm having too much fun in the midst of adversity, but that's life."
Reflecting on historic Colorado teams, Sanders shared, "I was a pro when they were really doing it. Cordell Stewart and I played for the same team in Baltimore, and we used to talk about those days. Seeing that black and gold back in the day was unbelievable, especially with the head coaches. I know we have a statue of Mac over there in the corner. I wish they had put him out front because that's what he deserved. He didn't deserve to be in the back of anything. I love what he stood for and what he stood up to. I really do."