Deion Sanders

After Colorado head coach Deion Sanders called out his son for playing "horrible" in a loss to Kansas State on Saturday, Shilo Sanders gave his thoughts on the comments.

Sanders didn't beat around the bush, saying that he agreed with his father that his play wasn't great on Saturday.

"We got on the phone before like right after the game actually," Sanders said (3:00 mark). "I know I played horrible, he knows I played horrible. It wasn't anything bad. It was just 'You played horrible that's what happened.'"

Sanders recorded 10 tackles in the game but also had plenty of missed opportunities, including a missed open-field tackle that led to a big gain for the Wildcats.

DJ GIDDENS MADE SHILO SANDERS TOUCH EARTH 😳 pic.twitter.com/Nqy6wI1zmY

— ESPN (@espn) October 13, 2024

His play led to Deion Sanders addressing his mistakes in his postgame press conference.

"I thought he played horrible," he said (5:20 mark). "I thought he was rusty, he didn't have his footing. I thought he wasn't breaking down, he was coming up trying to make the play but open field, one-on-one tackling with that kind of back, that ain't an easy task. But he's going to do better, I know what he has in him."

Kansas State's offense had its way with the Buffaloes' defense, racking up 423 total yards of offense in the 31-28 win. Colorado mounted a comeback to make things interesting late but ultimately didn't have enough to get its first ranked win of the year.

The Buffs' second loss of the year had little to do with its offense as Sheduer Sanders posted another impressive game with 388 passing yards, three touchdowns and an interception. If Colorado can combine that kind of offense with better defense, it could lead to some big wins this season.

For now, the Buffaloes are 4-2 heading into the weekend with a chance to bounce back against Arizona.

After suffering an apparent shoulder injury in this past Saturday's loss to Kansas State, it sounds like Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter won't be forced to miss any time.

Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders told reporters, "Travis Hunter should play for certain on Saturday" against Arizona.

Hunter exited the game against the Wildcats in the first half, finishing with three catches for 26 yards and one tackle. Per ESPN's Max Olson, he appeared to suffer the injury on a 14-yard reception during the second quarter. After being evaluated in the locker room, he returned to the sideline in the third quarter but didn't go back into the game.

Hunter's presence was sorely missed, as the Buffaloes went on to suffer a 31-28 loss in front of their home fans at Folsom Field. In addition to losing Hunter, Colorado's second-leading receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. exited in the second quarter with an unspecified injury, and receivers Omarion Miller and Terrell Timmons Jr. did the same as well.

"Certainly, losing Travis and Jimmy and others was tremendous because they're a vital part of our team, a vital part of our identity," Sanders said after the game. "They're a vital part of who we are. So that took a blow. That took a lot out of us."

A Heisman Trophy contender, Hunter is one of the most dynamic players in college football. He's produced 49 catches for 587 yards and six touchdowns on offense while adding 16 total tackles, three passes defended, two interceptions and a forced fumble on defense.

After falling to 4-2, Colorado will try to get back on track when it meets Arizona on Saturday.

Deion Sanders was not pleased with Shilo Sanders' play during Colorado's 31-28 loss against Kansas State on Saturday.

"I thought he played horrible," he told reporters following the contest (5:20 mark). "I thought he was rusty, he didn't have his footing. I thought he wasn't breaking down, he was coming up trying to make the play but open field, one-on-one tackling with that kind of back, that ain't an easy task. But he's going to do better, I know what he has in him."

Shilo Sanders missed several tackles on the evening, which including DJ Giddens juking him into an awkward position:

DJ GIDDENS MADE SHILO SANDERS TOUCH EARTH 😳 pic.twitter.com/Nqy6wI1zmY

— ESPN (@espn) October 13, 2024

The safety had missed the previous three games with a forearm injury, so a bit of rust was perhaps to be expected. He did finish the game with seven tackles, but was far more notable for the ones he missed.

Colorado's defense struggled in general, allowing Kansas State to accumulate 426 yards of total offense, including 188 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. That spoiled another strong performance from Colorado quarterback Shadeur Sanders, who threw for 388 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.

The Wildcats led the contest 21-7 in the third quarter but Colorado showed resilience, taking a 28-24 lead 3:12 remaining in the game after an 11-yard touchdown pass from Sanders to LaJohntay Wester.

That score was set up by an Avery Johnson interception, which was returned 59 yards by Colorado's Colton Hood. But Johnson recovered on the ensuing possession, hitting Jayce Brown on a 50-yard touchdown reception with just 2:14 remaining, ultimately the game-winner.

KANSAS STATE RESPONDS TO COLORADO WITH THE 50-YARD TD 🔥

WHAT A DIME FROM AVERY JOHNSON 🎯 pic.twitter.com/jwIMUi96kW

— ESPN (@espn) October 13, 2024

"Sometimes when you lose, you go, 'Dang, we should've won that. We should've had that,'" Deion Sanders told reporters after the contest. "(Tonight) was one of those games... for us, we felt like we let that one slip away. And we have to do a better job of taking advantage of opportunities we had to win the game, because we had several."

A stronger showing from Shilo Sanders would have certainly helped.

Colorado battled through injuries and a difficult opponent Saturday night but ultimately fell short in a 31-28 loss to Kansas State, which left head coach Deion Sanders feeling emotional.

"This s--t hurt," he told his team (37:45 mark). "Because you know, and you should feel like, you were the better team."

He also placed the blame on the defense against the run after the contest during his postgame press conference by saying Kansas State "ran the heck out of the football. That was the goal to try to stop the run. We didn't do that whatsoever. They had 224 yards rushing, which they ultimately dominated the time of possession. Which is not good."

The Wildcats actually tallied 188 rushing yards during the game, but it doesn't change the overall narrative.

Running back DJ Giddens averaged 7.3 yards per carry on his way to 182 yards, while running back Dylan Edwards and quarterback Avery Johnson each scored on the ground. That helped the visitors get off to a quick start and take a 10-point lead into the fourth quarter.

However, the Buffaloes fought back with an 11-play, 72-yard touchdown drive that Isaiah Augustave capped off with a score before Colton Hood's interception and long return set them up inside the red zone.

The offense took advantage on the ensuing possession with a touchdown pass from Shedeur Sanders to LaJohntay Wester to take the lead, but Kansas State answered in the final few minutes with a 34-yard pass to Giddens and 50-yard strike from Johnson to Jayce Brown to ultimately win the game.

Colorado had one more opportunity but turned it over on downs.

Still, Sanders' team showed impressive fight, especially since star wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter exited the game in the first half with an apparent shoulder injury. Wide receivers Jimmy Horn Jr., Omarion Miller and Terrell Timmons Jr. also exited with injuries.

Had Hunter remained on the field, it might have been a different ending even with the Buffaloes struggling to stop the run on the defensive side.

Despite the loss, this year's Colorado team feels much different than last year's.

The Buffaloes went 1-8 in Pac-12 play in 2023 and never recovered from a blowout 42-6 loss to Oregon. Yet this season's team has shown resilience in a comeback win over Baylor, road victory over UFC and even Saturday's loss against a nationally ranked Kansas State squad.

It is 4-2 overall and 2-1 in Big 12 play with the opportunity to remain a factor in the conference race with winnable games against Arizona, Cincinnati and Texas Tech in the immediate future. The run defense will have to be better, but there is more reason for optimism in Colorado than there was a season ago.

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders didn't provide additional insight into Travis Hunter's shoulder injury but confirmed there were no plans to bring the two-way star back midway through Saturday's 31-28 loss to Kansas State.

Hunter walked back to the locker room in the second quarter and was visibly favoring his right shoulder.

In his postgame press conference, Sanders told reporters the junior "was just there to support his team" when he came back to the sideline in the second half and didn't return to the field.

In addition to Hunter, the Buffaloes had to finish the game without wide receivers Jimmy Horn Jr. and Omarion Miller due to injuries.

"Certainly, losing Travis and Jimmy and others was tremendous because they're a vital part of our team, a vital part of our identity," Sanders said after the defeat. "They're a vital part of who we are. So that took a blow. That took a lot out of us."

Since the extent of Hunter's shoulder problem remains unknown, it's too early for Colorado fans to reach for the panic button. But they're probably thinking back to how his three-game absence in 2023 due to a lacerated liver dovetailed with the start of the Buffs' slide following a 3-0 start.

The wide receiver/defensive back is one of the team's most irreplaceable players along with quarterback Shedeur Sanders. He's the leading pass-catcher (49 receptions, 587 yards and six touchdowns) with 17 tackles, two interceptions, three pass breakups and one forced fumble on the other side of the ball..

The Buffaloes' schedule doesn't look as imposing down the stretch as it did last season. Utah is the only ranked team left and the No. 16 Utes are coming off back-to-back losses to Arizona and Arizona State.

Even if Hunter is out for an extended period, Colorado shouldn't totally bottom out once again. But its outsider bid for the College Football Playoff could be off the table, while Hunter's Heisman Trophy campaign would suffer a major blow.

The stars were out for Colorado's clash with No. 18 Kansas State on Saturday night.

Kevin Durant headlined a group of notable figures at Folsom Field to witness head coach Deion Sanders' team attempt to win a fourth consecutive game.

Kevin Durant in the building 👀@KDTrey5 x #GoBuffs pic.twitter.com/ggXRSPr7Ai

— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) October 13, 2024

Former NBA stars John Wall and Carmelo Anthony were shown on the broadcast for the game, while former MLB pitcher CC Sabathia and rapper Cam'ron were also seen in attendance.

Denver Nuggets point guard Russell Westbrook was at the game as well.

KD links up with Russ and John Wall at Colorado game 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0ugEWiQicl

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 13, 2024

Sanders previously narrated a video released by Nike celebrating Durant becoming the all-time leading scorer in United States Olympic basketball history on Aug. 6.

Buffaloes games have drawn the attention of celebrities dating back to Sanders' first year running the team in 2023. Actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and rappers Lil Wayne and Offset were present at previous home games, with Wayne leading Colorado out of the locker room ahead of a Sept. 2023 contest.

Colorado EPIC walkout with Lil Wayne 🔥

(via @DeionSandersJr) pic.twitter.com/kIoGBsK6Xl

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 18, 2023

The trend has continued during the 2024 season, as Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens and rapper Rick Ross were in the Buffaloes' locker room before a 48-21 win over UCF on Sept. 28.

Rick Ross and T.O. In the locker room before the Colorado vs. UCF game 👀👏
pic.twitter.com/PCIpzgGP6o

— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) September 28, 2024

With an impressive victory over Baylor prior to the UCF blowout, the Buffaloes could earn another statement win if they're able to take down the Wildcats.

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders had some fun at Pat McAfee's expense after the ESPN analyst ranked Travis Hunter as the No. 2 Heisman favorite so far this season.

Appearing on College Gameday, McAfee ranked Hunter behind Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, to which Sanders responded by asking, "How do you even fix your mouth to say that?"

.@DeionSanders had to call @PatMcAfeeShow out for saying Travis Hunter is the second favorite for the Heisman 😭

"No, Coach! We're going to change it right now!" pic.twitter.com/t3tLVeeiKf

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) October 12, 2024

To McAfee's credit, he didn't back down from the statement despite joking he was going to change the rankings for his conversation with Coach Prime.

There seems to be very little argument against Jeanty and Hunter as the top two contenders for the award. Jeanty has 1,031 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in five games. He is averaging 10.9 yards per carry on 95 attempts.

Hunter has become college football's version of Shohei Ohtani. The Buffaloes superstar is tied for fourth in the nation with 46 receptions, tied for sixth with six receiving touchdowns and ranks 10th with 561 receiving yards. He also has 16 combined tackles, three pass breakups and two interceptions as a cornerback.

By total volume, it's hard to argue against Hunter as the Heisman frontrunner. He is averaging 124 snaps per game between his contributions on offense and defense.

#Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter Snap Count:

• NDSU: 124 (56 Off. / 68 Def.)

• Nebraska: 118 (60 Off. / 58 Def.)

• Colorado St: 116 (53 Off. / 63 Def.)

• Baylor: 137 (75 Off. / 62 Def.)

• UCF: 125 (56 Off. / 69 Def.)

• Avg: 124 snaps per game

Rare Player.

— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) October 1, 2024

Hunter could also benefit by virtue of playing for a team that gets a lot of national recognition. Saturday's showdown between the Buffaloes and No. 18 Kansas State at Folsom Field is on ESPN, albeit with a kickoff time of 10:15 p.m. ET.

Boise State doesn't garner as much attention on national shows, despite currently being ranked No. 17 in the AP Top 25.

Jeanty did have a fantastic performance in the Broncos' biggest game of the season so far against No. 3 Oregon. He finished with 25 carries for 192 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-34 loss.

There's still a long way to go this season, so don't expect the Heisman debate between these two stud players to end anytime soon.

Deion Sanders is not a fan of Colorado's late start time against Kansas State on Saturday.

The Buffaloes will kick off at 10:15 p.m. ET against the Wildcats, a time Colorado's head coach strongly disagrees with.

"Who does that?" Sanders said Thursday on the Colorado Football Coaches Show (h/t USA Today's Brent Schrotenboer. "I mean, who has power to sit up there and say, `Yeah, I'm gonna make 'em play at 8:15 (MT)?"

When told that television networks decide the times, Sanders questioned why his team got bumped to such a late start.

"But how stupid is that?" Sanders said. "How stupid is that?"

Sanders and Colorado are no strangers to playing in the waning hours of the night. As members of the Pac-12 last year, they often filled the late slot and kicked off around 10 p.m. ET.

With the move to the Big 12, Sanders hoped to get more early games. He also believes his team warrants an earlier kickoff because of the views they are capable of drawing.

"But it's not smart for a television executive to say, `We gonna to put the game on at this time,'" Sanders said. "Because you're thinking about eyeballs. You're thinking about selling merchandise on the commercials. You're thinking about all that. Why would you do that at that time when half of America is asleep?"

Even when Sanders' electric team kicks off late, the country is still watching. The Buffs' win over Colorado State last season is a perfect example. The game kicked off after 10 p.m. ET and ended past 2 a.m. but still brought in 9.3 million viewers on ESPN, the most-watched late-night college football game ever on the network.

This Saturday's contest will have much higher implications than Colorado's game against Colorado State last year. Both teams come into the game 4-1 with both their Big 12 title hopes and College Football Playoff hopes still alive.

It will be the first ranked opponent the Buffs have faced this year.

More than three weeks after Colorado earned a 28-9 win over Colorado State in the latest round of the Rocky Mountain Showdown, Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders is still talking about his team's in-state rival.

Sanders used some of his press conference on Tuesday to question the veracity of claims by Colorado State quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi and wide receiver Tory Horton that they each turned down $600,000 NIL offers to remain with the Rams.

COACH PRIME HAD TIME TODAY 🤣 pic.twitter.com/PVc9VQimfM

— Rivals (@Rivals) October 8, 2024

As part of a bigger story by Kevin Lytle of the Fort Collins Coloradoan about Colorado State working to keep its top players from leaving in the transfer portal for lucrative NIL offers from other programs, head coach Jay Norvell said Fowler-Nicolosi turned down a $600,000 offer to stay.

Norvell also said in the story that Horton turned down six-figure offers because he was deciding between either staying with the Rams or entering the NFL draft. He announced a short time later that he would be returning to school for his fifth year of eligibility.

Le it be known: Colorado State can't be bought.

CSU QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi and WR Tory Horton were each offered $600,000 to hit the transfer portal. They declined, and chose to stay at CSU.

I asked the pair the reason why. Their responses are impressive. pic.twitter.com/zGgeAcCaYQ

— Richie Cozzolino (@RichieCozz) August 14, 2024

During Mountain West media days in July, Norvell said "a guy" from Kansas State made the offer to Fowler-Nicolosi.

CSU head coach Jay Norvell says QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi received a $600k offer from Kansas State to enter the Transfer Portal👀

"He said a guy from Kansas State called him, offered him $600k because they lost their quarterback, if he got in the portal. And I’m not accusing… pic.twitter.com/RL6fppUFpA

— On3 (@On3sports) July 12, 2024

One thing that is becoming clear in the NIL era is that the nature of these offers does have to be put under close scrutiny. UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka announced on Sept. 25 he was going to utilize a redshirt season effective immediately because of unfulfilled NIL promises made that weren't kept.

pic.twitter.com/oK5BDRpoxK

— Matthew Sluka (@MatthewSluka) September 25, 2024

Sluka's agent, Marcus Cromartie, told Eric Olson of the Associated Press his client was promised $100,000 by an assistant coach after he agreed to transfer to UNLV, but there was no written agreement in place and attempts to set up payment plan were unsuccessful.

There's no indication the situation involving the two Colorado State players would have resulted in a similar scenario if they had transferred, but it does raise a lot of questions about the validity of some of these offers.

Why all of this bothered Sanders to the point he needed to bring it up now is unclear. There is bad blood between the two programs after last year's dramatic 43-35 overtime win by Colorado, but they have already played this year in what was an easy victory for Coach Prime's squad.

Colorado is playing No. 18 Kansas State on Saturday, so perhaps the Wildcats' interest in Fowler-Nicolosi got Sanders fired up to take another dig at Colorado State.

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders was in attendance for Friday night's WNBA playoff game between the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces, and he had the pleasure of meeting Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis:

“Who knows? You might be home right now”

Raiders’ Mark Davis to Shedeur 👀

(via @Gil_OnAir) pic.twitter.com/SrKS7U0aWV

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 5, 2024

Earlier this week, Shedeur's father and Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders suggested that he's hoping the Raiders' quarterback spot stays open so the team can target a signal-caller in the 2025 NFL draft.

Shedeur is projected as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL draft class. B/R's NFL Scouting Department ranked him as the No. 2 quarterback behind Miami's Cam Ward in its first 2025 draft big board.

At 2-2 with an uncertain future at quarterback, the Raiders could end up with an early pick in the first round, giving them a chance to make Shedeur their quarterback of the future.

Prior to the 2024 season, Deion spoke at length about the possibility of his son playing for Las Vegas and head coach Antonio Pierce.

"That'd be nice," he said at Big 12 Media Days at Allegiant Stadium. "I'm not a gambler, so I'm not with all that, but that would be nice. [The Raiders] have a wonderful head coach, and a wonderful president in this organization that I think I'm meeting today, actually. That would be nice. I've been looking around the stadium. It's a nice stadium."

He continued: "[Antonio Pierce is a] great man. Great leader. [He] earned the job. They didn't give him nothing. He earned the job. I love what he brings to the table. I don't want him to lose to the point where he has the ability to get Shedeur. Let's get that straight. I don't want that to happen, I really don't, but I wouldn't mind if, some kind of way, it happens that [Shedeur] is here. I don't want [the Raiders to lose enough to have a top draft pick] to happen."

The Raiders have a young core with a missing piece at quarterback, so Shedeur could be exactly who they need to return to playoff contention.