The Colorado Buffaloes Week 4 matchup against the Baylor Bears ended up being one of the most thrilling games of the week, sparking a change of discourse around Deion Sanders’ team amongst media members.
Deion Sanders’ first game as a Big 12 head coach very much looked like it was going to be an unsuccessful one for much of the game.
But Colorado’s stars, specifically quarterback Shedeur Sanders came through when it mattered most, sending the game to overtime on a miraculous 43-yard touchdown pass to LaJohntay Wester as time expired in the fourth quarter.
“LaJohntay Wester. JUST LIKE 1995.”
Connor Onion on the call. pic.twitter.com/wTZZ1l2CE0
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 22, 2024
When the game did get to overtime, star cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter came through with one of the biggest defensive plays of the season for the Buffaloes, forcing a fumble on Baylor’s first overtime possession near the goal line, sealing a 38-31 victory in the process.
Colorado wins a wild one against Baylor.
Travis Hunter forces a game-clinching fumble which, after review, sealed the OT win. pic.twitter.com/cuB6VIx5Hc
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 22, 2024
Shortly after, Colorado fans rushed the field to celebrate what was a statement win to kick off their start to Big 12 play. And numerous media members took to social media to sing the praises of the likes of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter for their impactful plays down the stretch.
“Two players have never been more directly responsible for the success of a team than Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders,” wrote FS1 NFL analyst Emmanuel Acho. I get it, it’s a team sport, but these 2 are the reason Colorado wins, when Colorado wins.”
Two players have never been more directly responsible for the success of a team than Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders.
I get it, it’s a team sport, but these 2 are the reason Colorado wins, when Colorado wins. 🔥🔥🔥
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) September 22, 2024
“Congrats to Colorado,” wrote former ESPN color analyst Robert Griffin III. “They earned that win. The young man leading the way is Shedeur Sanders. He is unbelievable on the field. Before you let anyone tell you who he is off of it, go watch this conversation and get to know the person beneath the helmet.”
Congrats to Colorado, THEY EARNED THAT WIN. The young man leading the way is Shedeur Sanders. HE IS UNBELIEVABLE on the field. Before you let anyone tell you who he is off of it, go watch this conversation and get to know the person beneath the helmet.
pic.twitter.com/rIZACkV120— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 22, 2024
Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson even pitched Travis Hunter to be the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy at this point in the season on their Nightcap Show on Saturday night.
Give Travis Hunter the heisman trophy NOW 🏆🏈🔥@ShannonSharpe @ochocinco @ShayShayMedia_ pic.twitter.com/bKM0aKMCs2
— Nightcap (@NightcapShow_) September 22, 2024
Deion Sanders has received scrutiny as of late due to his rather contentious relationship with numerous media members. But after this win, he did receive plenty of praise for how he has done so far at a Colorado program that struggled prior to him signing on as head coach.
“What Deion has done at Colorado is remarkable,” wrote Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy. They were the worst power 5 program in the country before he got there.”
What Deion has done at Colorado is remarkable. They were the worst power 5 program in the country before he got there. pic.twitter.com/laNMG1FfmY
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) September 22, 2024
“No matter how you spin it, I think Deion Sanders time at Colorado is a success,” wrote Brandon Pope of WBEZ Chicago. “Because I honestly couldn’t tell you a time before 2023 where I watched this team, or cared to watch this team, play football. Even if it doesn’t work out, the next coach will have national TV games.”
No matter how you spin it, I think Deion Sanders time at Colorado is a success, because I honestly couldn’t tell you a time before 2023 where I watched this team, or cared to watch this team, play football. Even if it doesn’t work out, the next coach will have national TV games pic.twitter.com/PWjCSxNq1s
— Brandon Pope TV (@BpopeTV) September 22, 2024
It will be interesting to see how Colorado progresses through the rest of their Big 12 schedule. It is only set to get harder for them moving forward, as they will face an undefeated UCF team in Week 5.