“We Gotta Get That!” HC Deion Sanders to players despite the 31-26 Win against NDSU
Head Coach Sanders before the game. Photo property of Colorado Buffs Football (@cubuffsfootball)
The North Dakota State Bison, coming in with a legacy of nine FCS titles, faced off against the Colorado Buffaloes, led by the standout duo of #2 Shedeur Sanders and #12 Travis Hunter.
First Half Fireworks
The game began with intensity as the Bison were the first to score 3 points, showcasing their effective approach. However, the Buffaloes quickly responded with a fierce touchdown pass by #5 Jimmy Horn Jr. Contrary to expectations that Travis Hunter would be the first to handle the ball for the Buffs, it was freshman, and then the new kid on the block with Jimmy Horn Jr. who made a stunning debut. Horn was a key target throughout the game, delivering big plays and proving his talent. He finished the night with an impressive 198 yards, averaging 28.3 yards per catch, and secured 1 touchdown.
Hunter's Dual Dominance
Known for his prowess on both sides of the ball, Travis Hunter did not disappoint. While he made critical defensive stops and added a dynamic presence, it was on offense where he truly excelled. In one memorable play, Hunter made a spectacular catch in the end zone while being tackled, crediting Shedeur Sanders for motivating him to just "catch the ball." Hunter continues to be a natural leader for the team, emphasizing his desire for both personal excellence and team success. He finished the game with 132 yards, averaging 18.9 yards per catch, and scored three touchdowns.
Rising Stars and Key Players
Another player to watch this season is #10 LaJohntay Wester. Recognizing his potential, Shedeur Sanders made efforts to involve Wester in a significant play towards the end of the game. Wester is a rising star, finishing the game with 5 receptions, 58 yards, and an average of 11.6 yards per carry.
6 Key Takeaways from the Game
Shedeur Sanders’ Improved Performance: Sanders' weight and skill have noticeably improved this season, making him a more polished and special player.
Offensive Line Progress: The offensive line showed marked improvement by allowing only 1 sack on Sanders. While the goal is to achieve zero sacks, this was a strong showing against a tough team.
Defensive Adjustments Needed: The defensive scheme needs refinement, particularly in run defense and coverage. They allowed three touchdowns while Cam Miller completed 277 total yards in the game.
Travis Hunter’s Impact: Hunter remains a standout player to watch, excelling on both offense and defense. His offensive contributions will likely increase as the season progresses.
Coach Sanders’ Strategic Focus: Coach Sanders is emphasizing a game-by-game approach, focusing on playing complimentary football to secure wins.
NDSU's Competitive Spirit: North Dakota State University proved they are a formidable opponent despite the loss. With a player like Cam Miller, who exhibits exceptional talent, the team remains on track for another title.
Coach Sanders' Post-Game Conference
In the post-game press conference, Coach Sanders defended his quarterback, noting that Sanders made the plays he was instructed to make. When questioned about the limited running game, he explained that they had to adapt to the opportunities presented. Despite a weaker run game, the team managed 445 passing yards, which he considered a success. Coach Sanders acknowledged areas for improvement but remained satisfied with the team's passing performance, completions, and overall execution. He praised the opposing team and their coach for their strong performance and execution.
He emphasized to his players the importance of converting on third and fourth downs when they are close. Addressing the critics who were not satisfied with the win, Coach Sanders confidently remarked, "You gotta wait until next week." He concluded the press conference with an air of confidence, expressing pride in the team's ability to secure a win against a tough opponent who would not easily concede defeat.
