BOULDER – As the Colorado Buffaloes prepare to take on Cincinnati this Saturday night, players and coaches made it clear in this week’s press conference that they are determined to capitalize on their momentum. Currently sitting at 5-2, Head Coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders emphasized the team’s commitment to finishing strong as they head into a crucial Week 8 matchup on ESPN.

Building Confidence and Staying the Course

Freshman left tackle Jordan Seaton, who has emerged as a standout on the offensive line, expressed growing confidence: “I haven’t faced anybody that’s as good as those guys in practice,” he said, referring to his teammates on the defensive line who have been instrumental in his development. Seaton’s performance has been solid throughout the season, and his competitive spirit was evident during the press conference.

The offensive line’s growth has been a significant storyline for Colorado, as they’ve faced various rotations and adjustments. “Sometimes when guys get tired or start to lose those techniques, they start to lose those communication skills,” Seaton explained. “I feel like bringing in somebody that’s keeping them fresh and ready to go is a good idea.” With Cincinnati’s formidable defensive front, Seaton will play a crucial role in protecting quarterback Shedeur Sanders and facilitating the run game.

Defensive Surge and Mindset Shift

Junior defensive end Keaton Wade is another player who has been vital to the Buffs’ recent success. Despite battling a foot injury early in the season, Wade has returned to make an impact. “It was tough to get hurt right before fall camp,” Wade admitted. “But I just kept my head down and worked every day.” His determination has paid off, and Colorado’s defense, which now leads the Big 12 in sacks, has seen a noticeable shift.

“I think just being selfless and rushing as one has been the key,” Wade said when asked about the team’s recent surge in sack numbers. He credited his coaches, including NFL Hall of Famer Warren Sapp and defensive coordinator Charles Dancy, for their guidance: “It’s been awesome just learning what they’ve done in the league and incorporating that with us in college.”

Head Coach Deion Sanders echoed Wade’s sentiments about the defense’s evolution. “The preparation, film study, and understanding of what we want have all come together,” Sanders noted. He highlighted the importance of “resisting the opportunity to become selfish” as a defense and focusing on collective effort. The result has been a more cohesive unit that has created havoc in opposing backfields.

The Quarterback Connection

Protecting Shedeur Sanders has been a priority for the Buffaloes, and Seaton discussed the unique bond he shares with the star quarterback. “Having Shedeur back there helps me a lot,” Seaton said. “He’s calm, he’s settled, and having a calm quarterback makes me more calm.” This relationship is not only built on the field but also through trust and communication—something that has been evident as Shedeur continues to lead the offense with precision.

Deion Sanders praised his son’s composure and leadership, pointing out that Shedeur’s growth this season has been a key factor for the team. “Shedeur is not just playing quarterback; he’s managing the game,” Sanders stated. “He’s making the right reads, extending plays, and finding ways to keep us in the game, even when things break down.”

Preparing for Cincinnati

The upcoming clash with Cincinnati presents a significant challenge for Colorado. The Bearcats boast a balanced offense and a strong defensive unit, making them a tough opponent. “Cincinnati’s great,” Deion Sanders acknowledged. “They’re playing really good football, and when you match up statistically, we’re kind of right there with one another.” He stressed the need for the Buffaloes to start fast, something that has been an issue in previous night games. “We haven’t started off quick in the night games because it flips our whole schedule,” Sanders said, noting adjustments the team will make this week to ensure they’re ready for the late kickoff.

Keaton Wade shared his insights on facing Cincinnati, describing them as a well-rounded team that mirrors some of Colorado’s characteristics. “They’re going to play hard, and they’re going to play fast,” Wade said. “We just have to be us and attack the week.”

The Run Game’s Role

One area that the Buffaloes have sought to improve is the run game. Seaton acknowledged that the team’s emphasis on running the ball has started to pay dividends: “It feels good to run the ball. Passing 70 times is fun, but my legs do get tired sometimes,” he joked. Seaton emphasized the importance of establishing a ground game to open up the passing attack, particularly against Cincinnati’s stout defensive line.

Coach Sanders also commented on the running back rotation, which has seen all four top backs get starting opportunities. “We’re going to go back with the big fella again this week,” Sanders said, referring to Gus, who is expected to start. He highlighted the physical style needed to counter Cincinnati’s three-man front, which may drop eight defenders into coverage to stop the passing game. “We’re going to need to gash them, and the big fella doesn’t hesitate—he’s downhill and he’s going,” Sanders added.

A Message to Recruits

With the Buffs riding a wave of momentum in recruiting, Deion Sanders remained clear about the team’s approach. “We’re a team full of opportunities,” Sanders said. He stressed the importance of playing freshmen and not simply stashing them on the bench. “We’ve had up to three starters that were freshmen on the field at one time this year,” Sanders pointed out, emphasizing the opportunities that exist for young players within the program.

Jordan Seaton, who was a five-star recruit himself, shared his thoughts on why he chose Colorado over more established programs. “No risk, no reward,” Seaton said. “I feel like you should just come here, bet on yourself, and as you see, we bet on ourselves, and we’re starting to win some games.” His advice to potential recruits is simple: believe in the process and the coaching staff, and the results will follow.

Staying Focused Amidst the Hype

Despite being 5-2 and positioned for a potential bowl run, Deion Sanders maintained that the team is not satisfied. “We actually feel like we’re better than what we are,” Sanders remarked. “We’re just starting to see the fruit of the work and the understanding of the expectation that we have for ourselves.” The coach’s message has been consistent: keep grinding, stay humble, and don’t get distracted by the noise.

Keaton Wade reflected this mentality as well. “We still got a lot of work to do,” he said, pointing to the second half of the season as an opportunity to show the team’s true potential.

Final Thoughts: Ready for Primetime

As the Buffaloes prepare for another late-night national broadcast on ESPN, Coach Prime and his players are focused on executing their game plan and proving themselves on a big stage. “We like being the underdog,” Sanders said. “We like being hated on—it turns us on.” It’s clear that Colorado thrives in hostile environments, and the team is eager to show their resilience once again.

Jordan Seaton summed up the team’s mindset heading into the Cincinnati game: “The ceiling for us is so high, which makes it kind of scary how good we could be. But could and should don’t win games.”