The University of Colorado’s football team, which had enjoyed a blazing 3-0 start to the season, was dealt a harsh reality check in a devastating 42-6 defeat at the hands of the Oregon Ducks in Eugene on Saturday.
Head coach Deion Sanders, affectionately known as “Coach Prime,” had orchestrated a remarkable rise for the program, transforming it into a focal point of college football over the initial weeks of the season. The Buffs’ success and the attention it garnered, coupled with some players flaunting their financial achievements, seemingly motivated the Ducks to seek a resounding victory and humble their opponents.
Oregon’s Head Coach Dan Lanning, adopting a no-nonsense stance, emphasized his team’s commitment to substance over flash, dismissing Colorado’s Cinderella story as a thing of the past. He reminded his players that the game would be decided on the field, not in the headlines.
The game took a swift and brutal turn as Oregon dominated Colorado on both offensive and defensive fronts. A pivotal moment arrived early in the second quarter when Oregon executed a perfectly timed fake punt on fourth down, solidifying their control. By halftime, they boasted a commanding 35-0 lead.
Lanning, who had displayed disdain for Colorado in the past, made it clear that his intent was to humiliate the Buffs. Even with a substantial lead, he pushed his team, opting to go for it on 4th & goal from the Colorado 5-yard line late in the third quarter, though they came up short. Following this failed attempt, Oregon decided to ease off the gas.
In the aftermath of the resounding defeat, Coach Sanders expressed his respect for the Oregon coaching staff and acknowledged that his team had been outplayed in all phases of the game. He labeled it a “good old-fashioned butt-kicking” and made no excuses for the loss.
Sanders also responded to Lanning’s comments about “clicks,” asserting that he doesn’t make statements for mere publicity but rather analyzes the challenges his team faces. He challenged critics to remember that the Buffs would only improve from this point onward.
Deion Sanders responded to Dan Lanning’s “clicks and wins” comment following @CUBuffsFootball’s 42-6 loss to Oregon.
Coach Prime always telling it like it is:@On3sports x @On3Video pic.twitter.com/yolepv1WIW
— Nick Kosko (@nickkosko59) September 23, 2023
