Colorado head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders broke several streaks on Thursday night.
The 14-13 win over Georgia Tech was the first over an ACC opponent since 1957. It was the first victory against a non-Big 12 Power Four opponent since beating Nebraska in 2023. It was also the first road triumph since defeating Texas Tech in 2024.
Yet, with the Big Sky’s 1-1 Weber State coming to Boulder for CU’s home opener, Sanders isn’t overlooking head coach Eric Kjar and the Wildcats.
“I love him because, first of all, he's a flat-out winner, and all those [high school] titles,” Sanders said of Kjar, speaking highly of his high school coaching career. “...My hat's off to him, man. He's doing a phenomenal job, well deserved, well overdue. Should have probably been a darn college coach.”
Of course, many are looking at Weber State’s split record.
It narrowly defeated Northern Colorado in Week 0 (30-29), and lost to Southern Utah (47-42). The Wildcats are giving up over 300 yards per game on the ground, and CU just placed 183 rushing yards on the Yellow Jackets, using five running backs and eight offensive linemen. Plus, fifth-year quarterback Devin Brown is also expected to miss the game, forcing freshman Nate Dahle to start at Folsom Field.
Yet, with FCS talent in transfers such as defensive lineman Lamont Lester Jr., a Monmouth transfer who won Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Week after posting three sacks, Coach Prime understands he may see someone he wants in Black-and-Gold next season. After all, former FCS defensive end Toby Anene faced the Buffs in 2024 before arriving in Boulder two seasons later.
“When you're playing a team of this level, those kids are playing us for a multitude of reasons,” Sanders said. “First of all, they want to prove that they can play. Second of all, they want to show you that they could play for you. And third of all, they're showcasing themselves for a multitude of Power Four, Power Five teams. So I love it. I love the challenge that we're up against.”
Lester and new two-way player Chauncey Gooden added to the sentiment, sharing that they’ve been watching film on the Wildcats.
Colorado, however, is also looking to improve, not just win.
While the season-opening win brought 183 rushing yards as the defense held Georgia Tech to 51, the passing unit left money on the table and the special teams did all but give the game away; a field goal kicker is yet to be set despite Daniel Gerlack taking the kicks in Week 1. Sanders added that the secondary whiffed on some tackles and allowed a few big plays despite Tech’s QB Alberto Mendoza being under pressure.
“Overall, they did well. But we could do so much better,” Sanders said of his defensive backs. “[Georgia Tech] had throws that they could have made, and they didn't make. Thank God.”
With nine days separating games, though, Sanders feels confident in his adjustments.
He said the secondary’s depth creates competition that will breed consistent effort, similar to what defensive back Cree Thomas showed on the shoestring tackle he made with a half-minute to play on the 42-yard Georgia Tech completion that set up the potential game-winning 45-yard field goal. And for special teams, the blunders were simply personnel.
Still, CU won’t stray much from the reliance on its offensive and defensive lines.
“It starts up front,” Sanders said, describing how the offensive line’s personnel and chemistry have helped Colorado establish the run. “Offense and defense stability starts up front when you have a stout offensive line that can run the ball like we did. That makes it much easier on the offense as well as defense.”
With a few days separating the Buffs’ home opener against Weber State, Sanders hopes to see the same love he saw in Atlanta from CU’s fans. Saturday’s kickoff is at 1:30 p.m. MT on ESPN+.
“I really think we have the best fans in the country, knowing what transpired on the field last season,” Sander said. “They showed up in Atlanta and showed out. When we scored that last touchdown, it's almost like it was a home game if you'd just heard the volume of that. It was unbelievable.”
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