Thanksgiving fever is running high at the Colorado Buffaloes camp, and coach Deion Sanders is clearly loving every moment of it. While the Buffs faced a minor setback in their week 13 matchup against the Kansas Jayhawks, it didn’t dull the festive vibes in Boulder. Coach Prime featured in a carousel of photos posted by the Colorado football program’s official Instagram account. Other Colorado athletes that can be spotted in the post are offensive tackle Jordan Seaton and linebacker Jaylen Wester. The caption to the post read: “thanksgiving feast 🦃”
### Coach Sanders reflects on the recent loss
The Colorado head coach was straightforward after his No. 16 Colorado Buffaloes suffered a 37-21 loss to the Kansas Jayhawks. The defeat, fueled by Kansas running back Devin Neal’s 287 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns, has left Colorado’s hopes for the Big 12 Championship hanging by a thread.
“We started smelling ourselves a little bit,” Sanders admitted post-game. “We got intoxicated with the success…and we did not play CU football. Therefore, we got our butts kicked.”
### The road ahead for the Buffaloes
While Sanders and the rest of the squad are enjoying the festive season, their minds will likely be on winning the last game of the regular season against the Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-8, 0-8, Big 12). It would go a long way in determining whether the Buffs have any chance at the Big 12 championship game. Of course, he would need at least two teams out of Arizona State, Iowa State, and BYU to slip up. Had Coach Prime and co. won their game against the Jayhawks last Saturday, they would have controlled their own destiny and maybe even had a shot at a college football playoff berth.
### A tough outing against Kansas
As usual, Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter had an impressive outing on the gridiron. He managed two touchdowns. Shedeur Sanders threw for 266 yards and three touchdowns, but Colorado’s slow start and inability to match Kansas’ physicality proved costly. Kansas RB Neal dominated the game with 207 rushing yards on 37 carries. He helped Kansas outrush Colorado 331-42. The Jayhawks controlled possession for over 40 minutes without punting even once.
Sanders acknowledged his team’s defensive struggles, stating: “We could not stop the bleeding… They out-physicaled us. They wanted it a lot more.”
### Looking forward to the finale
Deion Sanders promised improvement for their regular-season finale against Oklahoma State, declaring: “It’s not about turkey and dumplings… It’s about football, man.” The Buffaloes will need to channel their energy and focus on executing their game plan effectively if they hope to finish the season on a high note.
The stakes are high as they prepare for the Cowboys, who have had a challenging season. A win would not only boost morale but also keep their slim hopes for a championship alive. The Buffs know that every game matters, especially as they look to build momentum heading into the offseason.
### The festive spirit in Boulder
Despite the recent loss, the spirit of Thanksgiving remains strong within the Colorado football program. The camaraderie among the players and coaching staff is palpable, and their shared experiences during this festive season serve as a reminder of the importance of teamwork and resilience. Coach Sanders has fostered an environment where players can thrive both on and off the field, and this holiday season is an extension of that philosophy.
As the Buffaloes gear up for their final game, they will undoubtedly carry the lessons learned from their setbacks against Kansas. The focus will be on executing plays, maintaining discipline, and showcasing the talent that has made them a formidable force in college football this season.
### The impact of the season
The journey of the Colorado Buffaloes this season has been one of highs and lows, filled with moments of brilliance and challenges that tested their resolve. The loss to Kansas may have stung, but it also serves as a pivotal learning experience for the team. With a talented roster and a passionate coaching staff led by Deion Sanders, the future looks bright for the Buffaloes.
As they prepare for their showdown with Oklahoma State, fans and players alike are eager to see how this team will respond. Will they rise to the occasion and finish strong, or will the weight of the previous defeat linger? One thing is for sure: the Buffaloes are determined to make their mark as they close out the season.
In the world of college football, every game is a chance to prove oneself, and the Buffaloes are ready to seize the opportunity. With Thanksgiving behind them, it’s time to focus on what truly matters: football. The excitement is building, and all eyes will be on Boulder as the Buffaloes aim to end their season on a triumphant note.
