Typically, teams finishing the previous season on a 6-game losing streak are void of much media coverage or fuss. But the Sanders’ family name resonates with anything but typical. Deion Sanders’ eccentric persona, some very promising performances from the onset and an explosive method of player recruitment have meshed together to make the Colorado Buffaloes (5-2) one of the most watched and discussed college football teams in the country, and rightly so. The discourse around Colorado seems to evolve week in and week out. Now, Nick Saban is seemingly aboard the hype train, too.

A month is an eternity in college football. Just a mere month ago, Saban picked against his friend Deion and Colorado in their game against UCF. He was even mocked for this by his wife, Miss Terry, on air as she came to Deion’s defense. But Saban had good reason. The UCF Knights were almost 2 touchdown (-13.5) favorites at home. But alas, no weapon formed against Prime Time shall prosper. Colorado inflicted a convincing 48-21 beatdown. As Saban faced a choice on the Gameday broadcast in the lead-up to week 9, he sided with his wife and friend this time around. 

When asked about his team to look out for in the Big-12, he showed no hesitation in shouting out the Buffs. ”I think the team to watch out for is Colorado”, he claimed. Gameday audiences also got some insight through chatter amongst the two friends, with Saban adding “One of the things that Deion told me this summer was he finally had 2 coordinators that believe like he believes”.

Coach Prime heaping praise on his staff is not new for fans, but this sort of cosign delivered directly from the G.O.A.T on air would be doubly reassuring for Pat Shurmur and Robert Livingstone. Whether Saban really feels this way about the Buffaloes, or is just overcorrecting his past skepticism of them, the team have their work cut out this weekend against Cincinnati (5-2). But they have help in the form of a phenom returning to full fitness.

Precarious Colorado boosted by returning Travis Hunter

The Buffs come into week 9 rejuvenated as Travis Hunter seemingly is past his injury woes. “Travis is good. Travis is much better than last week. He should be able to contribute a lot more”, said Coach Prime in the build-up to this weekend. This is a massive boost for the Buffs and Shedeur in particular. The superstar duo have made tickets to Folsom Field a precious commodity.

Their flashy style combined with substance was a homage to their coach’s own playing days. Shedeur threw for a season-low 250 yards in their last outing at Arizona, and his arm wasn’t required in the 4th quarter as the Buffs comfortably took down the Wildcats. The inclusion of Hunter will only help him in breaking down what will be a tricky Cincinnati defence.

The Bearcats have contained opposition offenses well this season. They have allowed more than 16 points in only one of their last five games. Although the Buffaloes are favored (-6.5) by the oddsmakers, Colorado games are never straightforward.

And with Nick Saban giving them his blessings, the pressure only mounts further. Deion and Colorado will look to carry momentum and sustain their pursuit of making a Bowl game.