BOULDER – With the Week 7 showdown against the University of Arizona looming, the Colorado Buffaloes held their weekly press conference to provide updates and insights on the team’s preparation, focus, and injuries. Players like Shilo Sanders, LaJohntay Wester, and BJ Green, along with head coach Deion Sanders, shared candid thoughts on the previous game against Kansas State and the path forward as the team seeks to bounce back on the road.
Coach Prime on Accountability and Raising Standards
Head coach Deion Sanders opened the press conference by reflecting on the team’s close loss to Kansas State. His message was clear: the Buffaloes must be accountable for their performances to improve. “Everyone must take accountability in their efforts, their preparation, and the habits we incurred in the game,” Sanders said. “Saturday was a wake-up call for a multitude of us.”
Coach Prime also shared insight into his evolving expectations for practice standards, revealing that even players who contribute heavily in games must work diligently during the week. “If we’re giving up 200 yards rushing, you can’t sit out practice,” he emphasized. “Challenging these guys to work on their craft is essential if they want to be pros.”
Sanders remained optimistic about the team’s preparation heading into the Arizona matchup, commending their effort in practice. “The defense was truly physical today. We had a great start to the week, and I love the energy I’m seeing.”
Shilo Sanders: A Determined Return After Injury
Safety Shilo Sanders reflected on both the disappointment of the Kansas State loss and his own personal challenges following an injury. “The toughest part was not being on the field,” he admitted. “This is my last season, and it has to be my biggest season.” Sanders was candid about the mental toll of injuries, sharing how difficult it is to feel disconnected from the game and the team.
Despite the challenges, Sanders reaffirmed his focus on improvement: “I have to be on my game because if I mess up, everybody can see it.” Sanders acknowledged the negativity he has faced from fans but remained resolute. “I’m not worried about that. As soon as you do good, they’re right back on your side.”
Looking ahead to the Arizona game, Sanders underscored the importance of maintaining discipline, especially when facing talented running backs. “I’ve been out, and I’m excited to get back,” he said. “But I need to be patient—when you’re playing against a patient back, you have to match that patience.”
LaJohntay Wester on Stepping Up Amid Injuries
With multiple injuries in the Buffaloes’ wide receiver corps, senior wideout LaJohntay Wester emphasized the importance of the team’s depth and a “next-man-up” mentality. “We’ve got depth in the receiver room—guys who can perform just as well as Travis [Hunter] and Jimmy [Horn],” Wester stated. “I told them it’s their time to show what they’ve got.”
Wester also discussed his chemistry with quarterback Shedeur Sanders, acknowledging that their connection is still developing. “We’re just getting started. We haven’t fully had a complete game on the same page, but it’s only going to get better.”
When asked about maintaining confidence in light of the injuries, Wester pointed to the team’s strong practice habits. “Even the young guys who don’t have game-time experience practice at a high level, so I’m confident in our group,” he said.
BJ Green on Self-Reflection and Rebuilding Momentum
Defensive lineman BJ Green shared his perspective on the importance of self-reflection during the team’s recent bye week, which he used to analyze his performance over the first five games. “I didn’t play like myself in those games,” Green admitted. “The Kansas State game was a return to my standard, and that’s what I’ll be bringing moving forward.”
Green also acknowledged that the team struggled to stop Kansas State’s run game, conceding, “We beat ourselves. We need to self-reflect, correct those things, and play to our standard of football.”
Looking ahead to Arizona, Green was excited about the opportunity to face a team that likes to air it out. “It’s a race to the quarterback now,” he said enthusiastically. “We’ve earned the right to pass rush, and we’ll be ready.”
Coach Prime’s Take on Faith, Mental Health, and Family
In addition to football, Deion Sanders touched on personal topics, including his faith and mental health. “Faith is everything to me because I trust God, not man,” he said. Sanders spoke candidly about the importance of being open about struggles, especially for men. “We need to talk about our challenges because if God brought me through it, it’s my duty to share that.”
Sanders also highlighted the unique dynamic between himself and his sons, particularly Shedeur Sanders, who serves as the team’s quarterback. “When we walk onto the field before a game, I’m Dad. When we come back, I’m Coach,” he explained. “That separation is natural for us.”
Preparing for Arizona: High Stakes and High Expectations
The Buffaloes face a tough test against Arizona, with Coach Prime lauding the Wildcats’ talent. “They’ve got a great quarterback and one of the best receivers in the country,” Sanders said. “We’ll need to be at our best to slow them down.”
Despite the challenges, the Buffaloes are confident they can bounce back. “We expect to win those games—that’s our standard,” Sanders stated. “We aren’t just here to compete; we expect to succeed.”
A United Front Moving Forward
The Week 7 matchup against Arizona provides an opportunity for the Buffaloes to demonstrate their resilience and growth. Whether it’s Shilo Sanders’ focus on redemption, LaJohntay Wester’s leadership among the receivers, or BJ Green’s self-reflection, the team is united in its mission to improve and return to the win column.
As Coach Prime summed it up, “We’ve got to create holes, execute our game, and show who we really are. The road is tough, but so are we.” With their eyes set on a strong finish to the season, the Buffaloes are ready to rise to the occasion in the desert.
Denver Sports Media 