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Deion and Shedeur Sanders are always at the center of controversy. Most recently, the Colorado Buffaloes head coach/quarterback duo made headlines when Sanders Sr. said he would protect his son at all costs in the game against UCF. The statements resonated with analyst Shannon Sharpe, who did not hesitate to throw in his two cents.
Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders never fails to cause controversy. Leading to the game against the UCF Knights, Sanders stressed, "We gotta protect Shedeur. We do know that like we do every week, but we gotta stop the D run."
On his weekly podcast, Coach Prime's Playbook with Romi Bean, Sanders itted that his offensive line was not up to par in the Week 4 matchup against Baylor. The team allowed eight sacks that time, and while they eventually won 38-31 in overtime, the performance disappointed the coach.
Heading into Week 5's game against the University of Central Florida, Sanders said they had already studied film and found a way to stop the Knights' blitz. This would give Shedeur and his offense enough time to complete their plays.
Shannon Sharpe's response
Following Colorado's 48-21 win over UCF, Sharpe couldn't help but be excited by how Deion made good on his promise to protect Shedeur. "Look, they did a great job of protecting Shedeur...they dominated this game," the analyst said on his Nightcap podcast.
Sharpe has distinguished himself as one of the harshest critics of Sanders in Colorado, but on this occasion, he couldn't help but acknowledge the work of the Buffs' head coach. "This was the most complete game they've played maybe since Prime has been there," Sharpe said.
The former Denver Broncos star said Shedeur took advantage of his offensive line's protection to find his receivers. But Sharpe didn't take away credit from the Buffaloes' defense, which contained the Knights quarterback K.J. Jefferson.
Chad Ochocinco credits Sanders' success
After the Buffaloes' 4-8 record last season, all eyes were on what Deion Sanders would do to turn his team around. This year, the Buffaloes are 4-1, and Chad Ochocinco, Sharpe's co-host, had to credit the coach.
"I'm happy for Prime," the former receiver said, praising how Sanders rose from criticism after last season. "A lot of people said they wouldn't make it this year," Ochocinco recalled, "but they wouldn't be in this position if it weren't for Prime's improvement."
"What I like from Prime is his improvement year to year," Chad explained, also saying that all Sanders needed was a little time to put together a contending team. "All they need is a little time to get the right dogs in," Ochocinco highlighted.