BOULDER – The Colorado Buffaloes are heading into their first Big12 Conference matchup against Baylor this weekend, and head coach Deion Sanders, better known as Coach Prime, is laser-focused on ensuring his team is ready to shine under the spotlight. During the team’s weekly Tuesday press conference, Coach Prime, linebacker LaVonta Bentley, and running back Micah Welch discussed the team’s preparations and expectations for their first Big 12 matchup.

Coach Prime’s High Standards and Focus

Coach Prime started the press conference by emphasizing the importance of maintaining a high level of play. Despite acknowledging that Tuesday’s practice wasn’t their best, he remained optimistic. “I don’t think it was a great practice today, but it was a good practice,” he said. “My expectations are climbing with them, and I know what they can and cannot handle. They gave a tremendous effort.”

Sanders pointed out that the team is still working on mastering their physicality and fundamentals. His message to the team is clear: keep moving forward, address mistakes from the previous game, and be prepared for the next challenge. “The game is behind us, but we’re moving forward,” he stated. “We need to understand physicality from week to week and focus on basic fundamentals.”

When asked about entering Big 12 play, Coach Prime emphasized the importance of treating every game with the utmost seriousness. “Every game is big for us,” he said. “It’s not just about the Big 12; we treat every game like it’s a Super Bowl. We want to give our absolute best every week.”

LaVonta Bentley Talks Defensive Growth

Inside linebacker LaVonta Bentley also spoke about the team’s defensive improvement this season. Bentley had a standout performance against Colorado State, forcing a fumble and recovering it, a play that swung the momentum in the Buffaloes’ favor. “It was very huge,” Bentley said of the turnover. “You know, just trying to win the turnover margin at the end of the day. Any takeaway changes the momentum of the game.”

Bentley credited the defensive unit’s success to improved communication and physicality on the field. “Communication has been key,” he explained. “Making sure everybody knows their job and playing downhill. It’s about pushing each other in practice and making sure we call out the plays before they happen.” Bentley also emphasized that the defense’s goal is consistency. “We’ve got to start out fast and have energy,” he said. “Once we do that, this team can be crazy.”

Micah Welch’s Rising Star

Freshman running back Micah Welch made his presence felt during the Colorado State game, showing off his speed and power. Welch reflected on his standout performance and what it meant to him to finally break into the lineup. “It was great,” he said. “I was waiting to do it since the spring. I had good practices all summer, so I’ve been waiting for this.”

Welch, who hails from Milledgeville, Georgia, spoke about how coming from a small town has fueled his motivation. “Nobody really comes from there, so I had an opportunity to come over and play with Coach Prime, and I took advantage of it,” he explained.

When asked about his relationship with quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Welch credited the QB for helping him adjust to college football. “He helped me with the routes, the plays, the little things,” Welch said. “He’s a great quarterback.”

Looking Ahead to Baylor

As the Buffaloes prepare to face Baylor, Coach Prime acknowledged the challenges ahead. Baylor leads the country in pass defense and net punting, which will test Colorado’s offensive capabilities. Still, Coach Prime remains confident in his team’s abilities. “Our receivers are a tough cover when we protect the quarterback,” he said. “We’ve got to give our quarterback a little time, and we’ll be okay.”

Coach Prime’s respect for Baylor was evident as he spoke about former Baylor star Robert Griffin III, who now serves as a sports commentator. “He had the country by the throat and was applying pressure,” Sanders said. “I got nothing but love for RG3. I’m pretty sure he’s conflicted inside because he wants us to do our thing, but that’s his alma mater.”

With Coach Prime setting the tone for intensity and discipline, Bentley leading the defensive resurgence, and Welch emerging as a new offensive weapon, the Buffaloes are set to bring their best to the field against Baylor on Saturday. As Coach Prime aptly put it, “Every game means a lot to us…like it’s the last one that we may ever play.”