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Deion Sanders, the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, is sending a strong message to the college football world by stressing that his team will not follow the trend of players opting out of bowl games. This commitment comes at a time when some draft-eligible athletes, often protecting their professional futures, choose to skip non-College Football Playoff games.
For Sanders, this is not an option for Colorado's roster, including its NFL-caliber stars like quarterback Shedeur Sanders and receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter.
"Our kids are going to play in our bowl game because that's what we signed up to do and we're going to finish," Sanders noted during a press conference on Friday. "We're not going to tap out, because that throws off the structure of next season."
Sanders stressed the importance of bowl games in maintaining team momentum and morale. He pointed to programs that faltered after lackluster bowl performances, potentially referencing Florida State, his alma mater.
The Seminoles, who opted to sit their starters in last year's Orange Bowl after missing the College Football Playoff, suffered a crushing 63-3 defeat to Georgia and have struggled ever since, posting a 2-9 record this season.
Colorado's remarkable turnaround
Sanders has orchestrated a stunning transformation at Colorado. Inheriting a program that went 1-11 in 2022, he has led the Buffaloes to a 9-3 record in just his second season, earning them a No. 25 national ranking.
Colorado still has an outside chance at making the College Football Playoff if the standings fall in their favor and they secure a spot in the Big 12 Championship.
This progress hinges on a culture of ability, which Sanders is determined to uphold. "We plan on going out there fighting just like we fought today regardless of where we are," he stated.
Sanders also expressed his desire to reward Colorado's ionate fanbase by playing a bowl game at a location that's accessible and affordable for ers.
"I wish we had say so in the bowl because I want to go somewhere near that our fanbase could get there economically," Sanders said. "Because I care about them just that much. . . They show up and show out."