There are two schools of thought around the Colorado Buffaloes’ (9-3) season. The glass half empty perspective suggests they had a CFP berth within grasp and should’ve capitalized. The glass half full faction says they were already overachieving and so shouldn’t be knocked. Deion Sanders introspectively would perhaps fall somewhere in the middle. There’s disappointment, but there is also a silver lining.

The importance of the imminent Bowl game is not lost on Deion. Colorado hasn’t made one in 4 years and hasn’t actually managed to win one in 20. As a result, Coach Prime has confirmed that his top players will be partaking. The superstar duo of Shedeur and Travis would be donning the Buffs’ colors one last time. However, they are not going to play merely to bid farewell. Deion wants to build a platform for his program’s prospects going forward. Something his alma mater failed to recognize last season, and paid the price. Prime fired some subliminal shots to let them know.

Speaking to the press after Colorado’s 52-0 shutout win vs Oklahoma State, Deion laid his stance. Alongside what’s perceived to be a subtle jab at FSU. “Our kids are going to play in our bowl game”, he stated. “Because that’s what we signed up to do-and we’re going to finish. We’re not going to tap out, because that throws off the structure of next season. It’s a couple teams [that should] take note. They laid an egg in the bowl game and they haven’t recovered since. We don’t plan on doing that. We plan on going out there fighting just like we fought today”.

Deion Sanders was perhaps referring to the Seminoles, where he had a stellar career himself. FSU won 13 games last season, before their top players opted out of their Orange Bowl game. What ensued was a catastrophe that the Seminoles are still feeling the aftershocks of. They lost 66-3 to Kirby Smart and Georgia in the Bowl game.

What’s more telling is that they’ve gone on to have a 2-9 season. FSU went from winning the ACC championship to finishing bottom. With current coach Mike Norvell firmly on the hot-seat, it is likely they are on the lookout for a new figurehead. Safe to say that won’t be Deion Sanders. Deion was reportedly turned down by FSU before he took over Colorado. He may well be still holding a grudge. Prime has reiterated his wish to remain in Boulder several times amidst rumours of him leaving.

A win in the bowl game will set the precedent for a retooled Colorado. With 5-star recruit Julian Lewis primed to be under centre, the ceiling for the program remains sky high. Deion and the fans will hope the upward trajectory continues beyond Shedeur and Travis. Speaking of the fans, Deion shared thoughts on Buff Nation and their standing for this Bowl game.

Deion Sanders sheds light on fans’ concerns about the Bowl game

“I wish we had said-so in the bowl. Because I want to go somewhere near that our fan base could get there economically. Because I care about them just that much. I think we have one of the best fan bases in the country. I mean, they show up and show out…They’re loud, they’re boisterous, they’re supportive. I love them. I absolutely love them, because I’ve seen it go from nothing to something,” said Prime. 

Colorado’s two previous Bowl appearances were both in the Alamo Bowl. The game is played at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. That is a long way away from Boulder. Travelling to the game naturally was a pain for fans. However, Deion’s plea would likely not fall on deaf ears.

The current iteration of the Buffaloes’ program is a far cry from back then in terms of appeal. Colorado is one of the most publicised programs in the country. With a figure of Deion Sanders’ ilk suggesting it, Colorado may well get their Bowl game in proximity. It shall be interesting to see how the pieces fall.