Deion Sanders couldn't hide his satisfaction after Colorado's nail-biting 14-13 victory over Georgia Tech to open the 2026 season. The Buffaloes' coach was all smiles in the postgame press conference, but he also had a message for those who doubted his team's physicality.
With 42 seconds left on the clock, quarterback Julian Lewis connected with Charlie Williams on a 20-yard touchdown pass to snatch the lead. Georgia Tech had a chance to steal the win with a 45-yard field goal attempt, but Colorado's Boo Carter burst through the line to block it, sealing the dramatic opener.
“I never flinched, man,” Sanders said. “I told several people on the sideline, we're gonna make it very, very interesting, but we're gonna win this game.”
The win wasn't just about the final score. Sanders took a pointed jab at critics who have labeled Colorado a finesse program. The Buffaloes racked up 183 rushing yards while holding Georgia Tech to just 51 on the ground — a stat that Sanders used to make his case.
“We rushed for a buck 83? My God. They rushed for 51? I thought we were small,” Sanders said. “You talk about another team that's also a physical team. To go out there and do this, when you're talking about the run and we're a small team — don't know where that came from — but I'm certainly happy with the results.”
The victory sets up a favorable stretch for Colorado, with a home game against Weber State next Saturday before facing Northwestern and Baylor in late September. But the schedule takes a brutal turn in October, when the Buffaloes face Texas Tech, Utah, Oklahoma State, and Kansas State in a five-week gauntlet.
For now, Sanders and his squad can savor the season-opening triumph. The win not only quiets the doubters but also builds momentum as Colorado looks to make noise in the Big 12 race. As the team prepares for the upcoming challenges, fans are eager to see if this gritty performance is a sign of things to come. For more on the latest around the program, check out the ongoing legal saga involving Shilo Sanders.
Coach Sanders' fiery response echoes the bold confidence he's brought to Boulder since day one. Whether it's athletes firing back at their critics or coaches defending their squads, the theme of proving doubters wrong is always in season.
