SantaFeToday.com Santa Fe’s Hometown News
By Arnie Leshin
Following his initial hurting off season of foot repair after departing Jackson State for the University of Colorado, and six months after about 50,000 people were at his spring game on a snowy April afternoon, Deion Sanders got down to business.
The magical results were not predicted for the former bundle of versatility. Taking over a Division One Buffalos program that had won only once last season (1-11), and at NCAA tournament finalist Texas Christian Saturday, it was a grand day for the one also known as “Prime.”
With his sons Shedeur starting at quarterback and Shilo at safety in the spotlight with an entire new Colorado roster, it turned into a remarkable stunning outcome via a 45-42 final before an announced crowd of 83,627 on a low 80s afternoon.
Coach Sanders had spent most of the off season thinking he might have to have his left foot amputated, but the foot specialists worked around it and Deion spent most of the summer grounded on a scooter with a protective boot covering that foot after multiple surgeries to remove blood clots and address issues with his toes. He took off the boot this week following a final team pre-season practice.
After the anticipated start that turned into a thriller, he had post-game treatment on his damaged foot after addressing his team and the media. He also got a comforting visit from both sons.
Shedeur, who threw for a school record 510 yards and four touchdowns and completed an awesome 38 of 47 passes, and ran the ball 11 times for 132 yards, he had four receivers with over 100 yards — Dylan Edwards, Travis Hunter, Jimmy Horn and Xavier Weaver, with Hunter catching 11 for 119 yards, Edwards, five for 135, Horn, 11 for 127, and Weaver six for 118.
The game winner was a 46-yard catch-and-run from true freshman Edwards with 4:25remaining and the disappointed Horned Frog fans began to sight an opening loss same as last year’s huge closing defeat to top-ranked Georgia in the NCAA finals following the semifinals win over Michigan.
As for Deion, who came to Boulder, Colo., to revitalize a long-dormant program with an unprecedented roster flip, he no doubt was suffering from foot pain, but as he was as a three-sport player, he still had plenty to say.
“A lot of you didn’t believe in us,” he said as Shedeur stood alongside him, “but we came ready to prove ourselves, and as the coach I did believe in us after all our get ready practices.”
Shedeur also got some words in.
“My dad, everywhere he went,” said the junior, “he was a winner. Every game, every opportunity, he took advantage of. He’s just a dandy dan.”
Shedeur is one of 87 newcomers at Colorado. Shilo, also a sophomore, made 10 tackles and turned in two sacks. He said he and Shilo were very excited to make the move.
“We get along real well, me and bro,” he said, “and when dad informed us about all this, we were ready, set, on your mark, go, and here we are.”
Next stop is back home Saturday where a sell-out throng is expected against Nebraska, which opened with a setback versus Minnesota.
Deion led his team on the field. After the game he was asked about his foot. “Not good, not good,” the coach said, “but I’m thankful. And God gave me what I needed to finish, and I’m thankful that I finished. That’s all we want to do is start and finish.”
Edwards run and catch touchdown was on a fourth and two. He took the ball in the flats, made a slight hesitation and then raced past the TCU sideline.
The Buffs didn’t trail until Horned Frogs quarterback Chandler Morris threw a 28-yard TD Dylan Wright to put his side up 28-24 with 2 and 1-half minutes to go, but that was the first of six straight Colorado possessions until Edwards’ final score. He and Hunter played both ways and Hunter intercepted a pair of Morris passes.
“I’m proud of my team,” said Coach Sanders, they pieced things together like a veteran team, and we had some ‘dad’ moments and that was a nice look, so I’m proud of my sons and the rest of the bunch. Big opener for the Buffalos, and now maybe we will have believers.”
And Deion is hopeful of also making progress with his aching left foot.
