Connect with us

Published

1 year ago

on

  • Andrea Adelson, ESPN Senior WriterSep 28, 2024, 09:56 PM ET

    Close

    • ACC reporter.
    • Joined ESPN.com in 2010.
    • Graduate of the University of Florida.

ORLANDO, Fla. — As Colorado walked off the field following its best win of the Deion Sanders era — a 48-21 domination of UCF on a steamy Saturday afternoon — one staffer had a pointed message.

“Keep telling them to make us 16-point underdogs!”

Colorado played its most complete game to date, finding balance on offense while shutting down the No. 1 run offense in the country, holding UCF nearly 200 yards below its average. The 27-point triumph is Colorado’s largest road conference win since a 34-0 victory over Oklahoma State in 2005.

It also marked the Buffaloes’ second win under Sanders as a double-digit underdog, though the line did close at 12.5 points.

Sanders batted away any notion his team played with extra motivation as such a large underdog against the undefeated Knights.

“We’re underdogs every week,” he said. “Ain’t nobody want to see us win except for our fan base. That’s just the nature of the game. We’re not mad about it. We know who we are.”

So does the rest of the country.

No one can say it has been boring. Through five games, Colorado has had to rally to beat an FCS opponent (North Dakota State), needed a Hail Mary in overtime to get past Baylor and also posted two blowout wins. Also in there was a disheartening 28-10 road loss to Nebraska in which Shedeur Sanders was sacked five times.

Yet here they are, 4-1, matching their win total from a season ago.

In the spring, Sanders guaranteed at least a bowl berth, and after another roster overhaul, questions again followed the program into the season. But there’s a reason the win over UCF was hailed as its best under Sanders. Not only did Colorado find balance (128 yards rushing, 290 yards passing) and a defensive performance that limited big plays on the ground (UCF had 177 yards rushing), it was a group effort.

Yes, Sanders threw for 290 yards and three touchdowns. And yes, Travis Hunter had nine catches for 89 yards and a touchdown, along with an interception in the third quarter in which he darted in front of a pass at the last second. Twice now this season, Hunter has had a touchdown reception and an interception in a game. As he stood, he struck a Heisman pose.

But there was also Will Sheppard, who led all receivers with 99 yards and added a score. There was Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig, who had a 95-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown. And there was Preston Hodge, who had an interception of his own.

Colorado had five sacks from four different players.

After Silmon-Craig scored, Colorado graduate assistant Warren Sapp turned to the crowd and waved goodbye.

“I feel like we’re trending in the right direction,” Deion Sanders said. “I feel like you guys are seeing the fruit of a lot of hard work, a lot of dedication, great hires. Bringing the right guys in with the right attitude, the right work ethic. I love where we are as a program. I really do. Could we be better? Of course, I think everyone can, but I know we’re trending in the right direction.”

Colorado is now 2-0 in Big 12 play headed into an open date before it hosts Kansas State on Oct. 12. The two conference wins already doubled what the Buffs had last season in the Pac-12 when they went 1-8.

“Everybody’s bought in. You can tell,” Silmon-Craig said. “We don’t point fingers. We pick each other up. That’s the way we’re playing right now. It’s definitely the most complete win. It’s just the beginning.”

Deion Sanders credited getting to Orlando a day early, on Wednesday, to avoid the effects of Hurricane Helene as one reason for the dominant effort.

“Getting them away from everything and having them focus and lock in, we had some tremendous walkthroughs in the hotel, and it was just unity,” he said. “All the guys ate together, they had meetings together, they’re watching film together. They responded tremendously. They could have been mad and upset about us leaving prematurely, but they were on it, and they did a great job.”

But there was also an acknowledgement the team could be in a different spot based on how it responded to adversity at various points before Saturday.

“We could be in a whole different place right now,” Sanders said. “But we’re 4-1 going into the break, and I’m so excited, you have no idea. It’s gonna be a really good plane ride tonight.”

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Sports

Follow live: Phiilies, Dodgers

Published

11 mins ago

on

October 7, 2025

By

null

Continue Reading

Sports

Phillies’ 2025 ballpark bite to beat: the ‘Fall Classic Shake’

Published

35 mins ago

on

October 6, 2025

By

Phillies' 2025 ballpark bite to beat: the 'Fall Classic Shake'

Move aside, hot dogs, peanuts and Cracker Jack. Baseball teams are becoming more innovative and stepping up their food game in 2025.

One of those creations is the Philadelphia Phillies‘ limited-edition “Fall Classic Shake,” which includes a vanilla soft serve, blended with dulce de leche. If that wasn’t enough, an apple cider donut tops it off. Philadelphia has been on a heater in the kitchen recently — it also unveiled a postseason 9-9-9 challenge box last Friday.

Here are more ballpark innovations that can be found at MLB concession stands this season:

Houston Astros: Fried chicken waffle sandwich

Washington Nationals: Jake and Jake’s Smoked Brisket Sandwich

In collaboration with Joe’s Kansas City BBQ, the Royals will offer a new item this season: the Z-Man Sandwich. It includes slow-smoked beef brisket and provolone cheese on a toasted kaiser roll, topped with two onion rings.

Continue Reading

Sports

Braves GM: No candidate list yet for manager

Published

48 mins ago

on

October 6, 2025

By

Braves GM: No candidate list yet for manager

  • Associated Press

Oct 4, 2025, 01:22 PM ET

ATLANTA — Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Saturday that he hopes to move quickly as he begins his search for a successor to Brian Snitker as manager but that he has not conducted any interviews.

Snitker, 69, announced Wednesday that he won’t return after 10 seasons as the Braves’ manager.

Even though Snitker’s decision wasn’t a surprise, Anthopoulos insisted he wasn’t going to begin compiling a list of candidates before giving the manager time to finalize his plans.

Asked what the Braves would have done if Snitker wanted to return for the 2026 season, Anthopoulos said: “He would have been back. That’s why we were going to wait and give him the time he needed.”

Former Braves catcher and Chicago Cubs skipper David Ross told The Associated Press on Thursday that he wants to manage again. Ross said an opportunity to manage the Braves “would be amazing.”

Anthopoulos insisted “we do not currently have a list” and said “I wanted to get some things done internally” before beginning his search.

“I will now turn my attention to the manager,” Anthopoulos said. “… We have not spoken with anybody.”

Snitker led the Braves to the 2021 World Series championship as the highlight of almost a half-century with the organization. He will remain in an advisory role and will be inducted into the team’s hall of fame next season.

Anthopoulos said he and Snitker have an agreement on a five-year term as senior adviser but added that could change.

Two coaches on Snitker’s staff have experience as a manager. Bench coach Walt Weiss is the Colorado Rockies‘ former manager. Third base coach Fredi González is a former manager with the Braves and Miami Marlins.

There has been speculation that other possible candidates are former Braves infielder Mark DeRosa and Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty. Former Marlins manager Skip Schumaker was named the Texas Rangers‘ skipper Friday night.

“Before Skip Schumaker was named, there were eight openings,” Anthopoulos said. “That’s a lot of openings. … That makes it incredibly challenging.”

Anthopoulos said his timeline to make a hire could be impacted if he focuses on a candidate who is also of interest to another team.

“Of course as soon as possible with so many openings,” Anthopoulos said when asked how soon he hopes to make a hire. “You can’t just rush it or force it. … You’d love to be able to do it sooner than later.”

Snitker posted a record of 811-688 as manager. He ranks third in franchise history in wins, trailing Bobby Cox (2,149) and Frank Selee (1,004). He led the Braves to seven postseasons, including six National League East titles.

Continue Reading

Trending