If you think the path to the College Football Playoff is clear for Deion Sanders and his Colorado Buffaloes, think again and think broadly. There’s a sneaky contender out there that might just shake things up and ruin the party for Buffs. ESPN analyst Greg McElroy recently made some bold statements about the under-the-radar team that could spoil the Buffs’ playoff aspirations, leaving Coach Prime and his crew with a bit of a headache. With both teams sitting at 8-2 in the Big 12 and plenty of games left to be played, McElroy’s warming to the Boulder team should not be taken lightly.

Greg McElroy, with a smirky tone, had some praise for the Arizona State Sun Devils while speaking on ESPN College Football. “I’m so happy to see this, so happy for Kenny Dillingham and this program. They deserve it, and they have a big opportunity this week as a favorite to post a BYU …. And this is the best team that no one’s really talking about.” His excitement was clearly visible, especially considering the Sun Devils’ 8-2 record and how they’ve shown under head coach Kenny Dillingham’s leadership. Dillingham turned the direction of the team from a 3-9 team last year to an 8-2 playoff threat this season. It’s no surprise Arizona State is flying under the radar—everyone’s too busy glazing about the Buffs and Deion Sanders. But that might be just their kryptonite.

The former Alabama quarterback’s analysis didn’t just stop after praising the coaching staff. He went on a deep dive analysis of the Sun Devils’ talent on the field, especially some of the standout players who could flip the switch and change the tempo of the game. “They have a game-changer at running back in Cam Skattebo,” McElroy said. “Their quarterback, Sam Leavitt has done an amazing job this year. They have a go-to guy at wide receiver in Jordyn Tyson…. I’m telling you, they’re a team you don’t want to play here down the stretch.” It’s clear—Arizona State is quietly building momentum, and they have all the pieces at every position and crucifix to make a real run.

Colorado Buffaloes’ playoff in jeopardy?

With Arizona State looking poised and sharp to make a serious run, the question on everyone’s mind is: What does this mean for Colorado’s playoff hopes? In a perfect world for Deion Sanders’s Buffs, the team cruises through the rest of their schedule, picks up a conference, and makes a deep run in a playoff. But that’s far from guaranteed, especially with Arizona State and BYU both in the mix for the Big 12.

If No.21 ranked Arizona State takes care of No.14 ranked BYU Cougars Week 13, things could get very interesting. A BYU loss definitely drops them in ranking and would almost certainly knock them out of their playoff shot and possibly even out of the Big 12 conference title. Here’s the main context for you: If Arizona beats BYU, the Sun Devils will probably be in a head-to-head clash with the Colorado Buffs for the Big 12 championship, which, let’s be real, would be a major test for the Deion Sanders’ Buffaloes.

The No. 18 Army’s loss to No. 6 Notre Dame in Week 13 would help the case here for the Sun Devils or Buffs. The winner of Big 12 would automatically lock in a playoff spot, but loss? That’s a nightmare scene for Deion, Miss Peggy, and the Buffs, who’ve been riding high on their playoff aspiration all season.

In this wild, unpredictable college football campaign, there’s one thing for sure: nobody is safe, not even the No.1 ranked Oregon Ducks. Arizona State is a dangerous team flying under the radar, and Deion Sanders better knows than anyone. This rollercoaster of a ride is only the beginning.