Sanders Blames Self for Colorado's Five-Game Losing Streak

Deion Sanders placed the blame for Colorado’s current losing streak squarely on himself during a Tuesday press conference. Speaking four days before the Buffaloes face Kansas State, Sanders rejected the idea that his coordinators should carry the weight of a five-game slide. He stated that the second-half collapse in the 57-24 loss at Oklahoma State was his doing, as was the performance of the cornerbacks. When asked about the staff's handling of the losses, Sanders waved the question back toward himself. "Please give me all the responsibility, please," he said. "I think our coordinators are wonderful."

The team's decline began in earnest after a lead evaporated in the final half. Colorado held a 24-23 advantage over Oklahoma State at halftime, but the momentum shifted on the first play of the third quarter when Isaac Wilson fumbled. Sanders described that turnover as a "tremendous blow" that undid the adjustments made at the break. He noted that the team’s reaction felt like a "here-we-go-again type of thing." He wants players to respond with the same intensity they showed when the Cowboys scored on their third play from scrimmage, a moment when the team immediately went back down the field.

Sanders has spent Sunday and Monday meeting with individual players to address the issues. He praised some defensive backs while telling the corners they "got to step up, got to do better, and we’ve got to prepare them better." He acknowledged that the pain of losing is consistent, regardless of the year. "Pain is pain. I don't think it's a different type of pain," Sanders said. He added that while he has faced amputation and cancer, he does not weigh those personal battles against the struggles on the field.

The team’s lack of consistency is a major concern. Colorado has committed 66 penalties in seven games, the highest total in the Big 12. Sanders noted that the team is only consistent in getting called for fouls. He described the inability to combine offense, defense, and special teams into a single successful performance as "baffling." He also addressed the running game, promising that Richard Young, who has not had a carry since the October 3 game against Texas Tech, will see more action this week. "I promise you that," Sanders said.

Other roster decisions remain fluid. Sanders confirmed that Micah Welch will sit out this weekend with an injury. He described JaQuail Smith as "explosive" and said playing time could depend on pass protection and the opponent. Regarding the quarterback position, Sanders said whether Julian Lewis gets another chance is up to Lewis. The coach remains optimistic because he sees players "still fighting, still loving the game, still speaking life into their team." Colorado hosts Kansas State at noon Saturday on TNT.