Deion Sanders, head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, took a moment to respond to critics questioning the physicality of his team after their season-opening win against Georgia Tech. The Buffaloes showcased a dominant rushing attack, amassing 183 yards on the ground in a closely contested 14-13 victory, while the Yellow Jackets struggled with just 51 rushing yards.
During his post-game press conference, Sanders seized the opportunity to poke fun at those who labeled his team as undersized. "Oh! We rushed for 183 [yards], my god. They rushed for 51… I thought we were small," he quipped, highlighting the irony of the situation with a laugh.
This light-hearted jab came on the heels of a conversation that had been sparked earlier in August when a College Sports Page post on X drew attention to Colorado’s perceived lack of size. The post pointed out that the Buffaloes had 11 players listed at 5-foot-9 or shorter, including a defensive back weighing only 140 pounds. Such comments had prompted a defensive response from Colorado's offensive coordinator, Brennan Marion, who urged critics to wait and see what the team could accomplish on the field. "As the kids would say, pull up. We’re small, we’re this, we’re that…. At some point you gotta spot the ball and see," Marion stated.
The Buffaloes' performance against Georgia Tech served as a strong rebuttal to those criticisms. Micah Welch led the ground game with 58 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries, while Damian Henderson II contributed 65 yards on 12 attempts. This impressive rushing output not only silenced doubters but also provided a glimpse into the potential of Colorado's running game, which has struggled in recent seasons. The program had not seen a 1,000-yard rusher in seven years, but the emergence of Welch and Henderson gives Sanders promising options moving forward.
In addition to the strong rushing performance, Colorado's freshman quarterback Julian Lewis faced challenges early in the game but ultimately led a crucial comeback. Lewis completed 14 of 27 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown, connecting with tight end Charlie Williams for a 20-yard score with just 42 seconds left on the clock. The Buffaloes' defense then stepped up, with Boo Carter blocking Georgia Tech's potential game-winning field goal attempt as time expired, sealing the victory for Colorado.
Sanders expressed pride in his players for their resilience and ability to maintain belief throughout the game. With this win under their belt, the Buffaloes are now preparing for their next challenge against Weber State, scheduled for September 12. As the season progresses, the team will look to build on this momentum and further establish their identity on the field.
Leave a Comment