Colorado coach Deion Sanders says his program’s recruiting is already feeling the effects of two wins and two weeks in the college football spotlight.
“We’re receiving so many calls at this point right now that it’s absurd,” Sanders said at his weekly news conference. “Just inquiring about what we do and how we do what we do, visitation and desiring to come on an unofficial or official visit.”
Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff pregame show has been on-site for each of Colorado’s first two games and will be on-site Saturday for the Buffaloes’ rivalry game with Colorado State, which kicks off at 10 p.m. ET. ESPN’s “College GameDay” will also be on-site in Boulder.
Colorado’s first two games, both broadcast on Fox, were viewed by 7.26 million and 8.73 million people. Only one game played on a Saturday so far this season — Texas’ win over Alabama — had more viewers in the first two weeks of the season.
GO DEEPER
Can Deion Sanders help Fox’s ‘Big Noon Kickoff’ beat ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’?
Here’s what else you need to know:
Sanders isn’t sweating another rivalry game
He emphasized last week’s rivalry game against Nebraska was “personal,” and this week’s in-state rival, Sanders assured, won’t have him out of place.
“This isn’t my first rodeo. I think the Falcons and Saints were quite a showdown, as well as playing against the 49ers and playing Cowboys-49ers, Cowboys-Philly, Cowboys-whoever was always a showdown. Baseball as well,” Sanders said. “I had two divorces that were a heck of a showdown, too. Don’t tell me about a showdown.”
GO DEEPER
Boulder believes: Buffaloes’ fast start has united the Colorado fan base
Turning the page
Sanders said he’s moving forward after Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said Monday he didn’t intend to disrespect Colorado with any of his offseason comments or a pregame prayer on the Colorado logo at midfield after Nebraska arrived at Folsom Field on Saturday.
“They said they were praying in the middle of the field so it’s cool with me. I’m happy if that’s what they were doing. Amen, I’m for that. I’m all for that. Let’s turn the page. Let’s get on to Colorado State. That’s over.”
A historic Rocky Mountain Showdown
Sanders said he appreciated Colorado State coach Jay Norvell highlighting that Saturday’s Rocky Mountain Showdown will be the first ever with two Black head coaches on the sidelines.
“I like that, I’m glad he said that,” Sanders said. “Unfortunately, one of the brothers gotta lose when you face another Black head coach. And you want to see us win. That’s the thing. But besides that, it’s just tremendous getting this opportunity and allowing the nation to see that we are more than capable of doing a sufficient and a great job. I’m happy he pointed that out.”
GO DEEPER
Ubben: Deion Sanders’ Colorado is the most entertaining team in college football history
Required reading
(Photo: Ron Chenoy / USA Today)
