A Prime Time Dilemma: Deion Sanders’ Love-Hate Relationship with Late Kickoffs
BOULDER, Colo. – As the Colorado Buffaloes gear up to host Cincinnati on Saturday, head coach Deion Sanders is facing a dilemma that has nothing to do with X’s and O’s. The issue at hand? A 10:15 p.m. ET kickoff time that has the self-proclaimed “Prime Time” aficionado grumbling.
The Great Outdoors (and Indoors)
In his weekly news conference, Sanders waxed poetic about the well-manicured grass on campus, the resurgence of his sack-happy defense, and the improved health of two-way star Travis Hunter. However, when the topic turned to late kickoffs, Sanders’ tone shifted from sunny to skeptical.
A Necessary Evil?
“We don’t like it, but we do love it,” Sanders said, acknowledging the trade-off between exposure on national television and a less-than-ideal start time. “We’re not going to turn our nose up at being on TV. Yeah, we could argue with the time, but we’re still appreciative and thankful.”
Routines and Rituals
To combat the late start, Sanders plans to implement a revised routine to ensure his team is wide awake and ready for the Bearcats. “To make sure we get the proper sleep, the proper rest, and we’re ready and prepared for kickoff, regardless of whatever time it is,” he explained.
Hunter’s Health and the Road Ahead
The Buffaloes expect to have a healthier version of Hunter back in action, which is music to Sanders’ ears. “He’s on point with his conditioning, because he never tires, and we want to keep that what it is,” Sanders said of his Heisman hopeful receiver/cornerback.
Controlling Their Destiny
As the Buffaloes sit a win away from bowl eligibility, Sanders emphasized the importance of controlling their own fate. “We’ve earned what we are,” he said. “But we actually feel like we’re better than what we are, because we’re just starting to see the fruit of the work and the understanding of the expectation that we have for ourselves.”
Analytics? Who Needs ‘Em?
In a tongue-in-cheek jab at the reliance on analytics, Sanders quipped, “Who is the guy named analytics? I never met him. I’ve never seen him. I don’t know what he looks like.” For Sanders, it’s all about knowing his team and what they’re capable of – no math required.
Title Contention and the Road Ahead
With the Big 12 bunched up and multiple teams vying for the top spot, the Buffaloes are in title contention. As they prepare to face Cincinnati, Sanders’ focus remains on the task at hand: getting his team ready for primetime, no matter the kickoff time.
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