BOULDER – The Colorado Buffaloes are preparing for their next Big 12 battle against Texas Tech with renewed focus and determination. Head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, running back Isaiah Augustave, cornerback DJ McKinney, and punter Mark Vassett spoke at Tuesday’s press conference, shedding light on their preparation, team unity, and the intensity they bring to each game as they strive for a potential bowl game.
A Deep-Rooted Rivalry and Mutual Respect
Coach Prime expressed admiration for Texas Tech’s head coach, Joey McGuire, whom he has known since McGuire’s days as a high school coach at Cedar Hill.
“Joey was the Grand Puba, the Magna cum laude of coaches in that district,” Sanders said.
With McGuire’s impressive track record, Sanders knows that Texas Tech will bring a well-coached, competitive edge. Despite their friendship, Sanders expects a fierce matchup, with both teams giving their all.
Winning on the Road
The Buffaloes have proven formidable on the road, coming off two 27-point wins away from Boulder. When asked about the team’s road-game success, Coach Prime credited the preparation and intense focus his players bring.
“It’s all about preparation, the unity, and focus during walkthroughs and film sessions,” he said, adding that the team has embraced the mindset of “being early, not on time” to keep distractions minimal.
Augustave, who has shown steady growth this season, echoed this sentiment. “It’s just the preparation we put in during the week. We stay focused,” he said. For Augustave, the bye week offered a chance to reset physically and mentally, ensuring he’s at his best for this crucial stretch.
Confidence and Accountability in the Secondary
The Buffaloes’ secondary, anchored by standout players like DJ McKinney and Travis Hunter, has made an impact in each game, setting a standard for defensive play. McKinney spoke about the intense competition in the secondary, where players constantly strive to outperform each other, pushing the unit to new heights.
“We’re always trying to one-up each other,” he said. This camaraderie and internal competition have helped elevate Colorado’s defensive game, with McKinney confidently asserting, “We’re the best secondary in the nation.”
Coach Prime also lauded McKinney and the entire defensive unit for their focus and commitment, noting that McKinney has the potential to be a first-round NFL draft pick. “They love to play in that style,” Sanders said, explaining the appeal of Colorado’s aggressive, press-heavy defense to recruits who are now looking to make Boulder their home.
Ground Game Development and Offensive Balance
Augustave has been a crucial contributor to Colorado’s offensive game plan, especially as they look to balance their attack. Reflecting on a prior fumble that challenged his focus, Augustave described his commitment to improving ball security, a factor he’s keenly aware of heading into another high-stakes game.
“If I want to get on the field, I’ve got to secure the football,” he said.
Colorado’s offensive line has also been instrumental in the recent success of the run game. Augustave acknowledged the support from his teammates up front, saying,
“We stick together even when the run game isn’t working.”
Coach Prime reiterated the importance of a ground game, noting that “we have to run the ball to open up the pass game,” a strategy they intend to employ against Texas Tech’s defensive front.
Texas Tech’s Offensive Threats and Colorado’s Preparation
Facing Texas Tech’s high-octane offense is no easy feat, as the Red Raiders are known for their quick passing game. McKinney emphasized the Buffaloes’ commitment to thorough preparation, explaining that the secondary’s approach focuses on understanding Texas Tech’s tendencies through film study.
“Preparation is way more important than actually playing,” McKinney said, reinforcing the unit’s readiness to shut down Tech’s aerial attack.
Coach Prime, always attentive to the details, highlighted his strategic approach to analyzing Texas Tech’s film. His checklist includes assessing Tech’s physicality, their run game, and their vulnerabilities, ensuring his players are equipped with insights on where to attack.
Building Confidence for a Potential Bowl Game
With every game carrying the weight of a playoff matchup, Coach Prime is pushing his team to take each game as if it were their last, aiming for a bowl game appearance. He shared that his players understand the stakes and the journey they’re on, saying,
“We understand what’s on the table and what’s at stake.”
This mentality, Sanders hopes, will keep his team grounded and focused, avoiding the pitfalls of ranking hype and external distractions.
As the Buffaloes continue their Big 12 campaign, their sights are set firmly on Texas Tech. Coach Prime’s team has shown resilience, adapting to the intensity of each opponent while nurturing an internal culture of competition, accountability, and hunger for success. This Saturday, they’ll aim to extend their road-game winning streak and bring home another key victory as they edge closer to their bowl game aspirations.
Denver Sports Media 