Deion Sanders Addresses Colorado's Struggles, Says He's Not Worried About His Job

BOULDER, Colo. — Deion Sanders is frustrated with Colorado's disappointing season, but the Buffaloes coach insists he is not worried about his job despite another defeat and growing pressure on the program.

Colorado suffered its sixth loss in seven games Saturday, falling 20-10 to Arizona State after trailing 17-0 at halftime. The result dropped the Buffaloes to 3-6 overall and 1-5 in Big 12 play, leaving them on the verge of a third losing season in Sanders' four years as head coach.

Asked whether he felt his position was at risk with three games remaining, Sanders said his attention was on his players rather than his own future.

“I don't think about that, man. I'm not here for my job. I'm here for these young men,” Sanders told reporters. “I want these kids to graduate, to provoke change in their communities and their lives and their families. I ain't worried about me. I'm good, my brother.”

Colorado athletic director Fernando Lovo attended the postgame news conference.

Colorado's Slow Start Proves Costly

The Buffaloes struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, managing just 103 total yards. Only 62 of those yards came during the final 45 seconds before halftime.

Colorado did not record its first first down until the seven-minute mark of the second quarter. That possession ended in disappointment when quarterback Isaac Wilson was sacked for a 24-yard loss on fourth-and-6 at Arizona State's 34-yard line.

Wilson appeared to connect with Ernest Campbell for a 74-yard touchdown, but the play was called back because of an illegal man downfield penalty.

Arizona State took advantage of Colorado's offensive struggles, building a 17-0 halftime advantage before holding on for the victory.

Sanders apologized to supporters following the defeat but stressed that words would mean little without improvement on the field.

“This is not how it's supposed to be, and we could apologize a thousand times to the fanbase, to you all,” Sanders said. “But unless we get it together, it's gonna be the same ol', same ol'. And that's pathetic because ... the fanbase deserves better.”

Late Rally Falls Short

Colorado showed more energy after halftime, slowing Arizona State's offense and finding some rhythm on its own side of the ball.

The Buffaloes eventually cut the deficit to 20-10 with a field goal and Wilson's 7-yard touchdown pass to Joseph Williams.

However, the comeback attempt ended when Colorado failed to convert a fourth-and-15 near midfield with 2:43 remaining.

Sanders acknowledged the improved effort but said his team needed to show that urgency much earlier.

“Didn't see quit, didn't see anybody being lethargic, didn't see them giving up by any means, but it was way too late,” he said. “I wish we had started off like that instead of end up like that.”

While Colorado struggled to produce consistently, Arizona State quarterback Jake Fette made an unusual contribution. He became the first Sun Devils quarterback in 30 years to throw and catch a touchdown pass in the same game.

Bowl Eligibility Becomes a Challenge

Colorado now faces a difficult finish to its schedule. The Buffaloes must win their final three games to reach bowl eligibility, beginning with a Friday matchup against No. 17 Houston.

Sanders did not hide his disappointment when discussing the team's remaining opportunities, acknowledging that the season has not developed as he expected.

“The season doesn't look good,” Sanders said. “It doesn't look good. I'm not crazy. I can see clearly. You think I'm happy? I'm not happy with the outcomes. I'm not a loser by any means, and I hate the fact that we're coming up on the short end of these games.”

The Buffaloes have little room for further mistakes. Their performance against Houston will be an important test of whether they can respond to a difficult stretch and keep their bowl hopes alive.