Colorado Head Deion Sanders Keeps Offensive Coordinator Ahead of Houston Matchup
The Buffaloes will host the Cougars on Friday after falling to Arizona State, with Sanders focusing on realistic goals and defensive adjustments.
By Emmanuel Faure ·
Colorado fans face a difficult road ahead as the Buffaloes prepare for their next game. The team will host the Houston Cougars on Friday, November 13, at 8:15 p.m. MT on ESPN. This contest comes after Colorado suffered a 20-10 loss at Arizona State on Saturday. The Buffaloes currently hold a 3-6 record overall and are 1-5 in the Big 12 Conference.
The primary issue for the team is its offensive output. Colorado ranks last in the Big 12 in scoring, averaging 19.8 points per game. The defense has allowed 28.3 points per game during the same span. Head coach Deion Sanders acknowledged the disparity during his weekly news conference on Tuesday. He stated that he compared the two figures and concluded the current situation does not work.
Sanders said he told his staff, "I walked into the room. I put in how many points we score a game and how many we give up. And I'm saying this don't work, right?" He emphasized that he must do better to fix the imbalance. Despite the poor numbers, Sanders confirmed he is not replacing offensive coordinator Brennan Marion. When asked if he considered a change in the play caller, Sanders answered, "No."
The coach noted that he holds frequent conversations with Marion. Sanders said, "I love Brennan. I respect the heck out of him. Some things we may just have to do a little differently." He declined to share the specific details of those discussions, describing them as non-malicious but necessary. This decision keeps the current coaching structure intact as the team seeks to improve its scoring ability.
Sanders set specific, modest goals for the upcoming game against Houston. The first item on his list of six points was limiting penalties to five or fewer. He recognized that aiming for zero penalties is unrealistic. Sanders said, "You've got to give them realistic things that they can really try their best to attain and they can see themselves accomplishing." Colorado was flagged five times for 34 yards in the Arizona State game, which was the team's cleanest performance this season.
Despite that improvement, the Buffaloes lead the Big 12 with 79 penalties. Sanders said he is not accustomed to losing and does not enjoy the process. He placed the responsibility on himself, stating, "We're just not getting it done. I'm just not getting it done. Don't say we, I'm sorry. Scratch that. I'm not getting it done all round." He noted that his players have not quit, but the results have not followed.
The defense has struggled to create turnovers in recent weeks. Colorado failed to force a turnover in four of its last five games. Sanders said the defense cannot afford to take big risks that lead to big plays. He illustrated this point by recalling a fourth-quarter play against Arizona State. Trailing 20-3, Colorado faced a fourth-and-12 at the opponent's 15-yard line.
Sanders burned a timeout and sent kicker Elliott Arnold out for a 33-yard field goal. Arnold missed, but a roughing-the-kicker penalty moved the ball to the 7-yard line. Isaac Wilson then threw a touchdown pass on the next play. Sanders said his gut told him to go for the touchdown, but the play chart called for the kick. He said, "God wanted us to score." He added that he probably should have taken the risk anyway.
The run defense has allowed five rushing touchdowns this season. Sanders said this is the fewest through nine games in the program's 60-year history. He praised the linebacker unit, led by Gideon Lampron, who is a Chuck Bednarik Award semifinalist. Sanders called the group the best room on the team. He also expects at least one injured player to return this week.
Colorado must win all its remaining games to become bowl eligible. Sanders said the team is not focused on that three-game stretch. He said, "We're not thinking about the three wins. We're thinking about one day, one play at a time." Houston coach Willie Fritz is in his third season, and Sanders praised his composure. Sanders described Houston quarterback Conner Weigman as one of the best in the country, noting that the player can spin the ball effectively.
The Buffaloes will look to apply these adjustments when the Cougars arrive in Boulder. The game is scheduled for Friday evening and will air on ESPN. Sanders said he is not flinching under the pressure of the losing streak. He remains confident in his staff and players as they prepare for the contest.
