Colorado defeated Georgia Tech in its season opener, but Deion Sanders did not leave Atlanta believing every area of his team had performed well enough.
The Buffaloes allowed a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and had a field-goal attempt blocked during their 14-13 victory. Sanders said the problems were caused by personnel decisions rather than Colorado’s special-teams schemes.
“It wasn’t schematic,” Sanders said during the Colorado Coaches Show. “It wasn’t like, ‘Ah, we did the wrong scheme.’ It was personnel.”
Sanders responded with sweeping changes before Colorado’s home opener against Weber State.
“It was a mass firing in the meeting room...on Saturday,” Sanders said. “We replaced several guys.”
The blunt description reflected Sanders’ willingness to make immediate adjustments, even after a victory. It also reinforced his belief that established offensive and defensive players must embrace roles on special teams.
“Some of these guys, the only shot they’re going to get is to play special teams,” Sanders said.
Sanders has shown the same flexibility with offensive guard Chauncey Gooden, who played approximately 10 to 12 defensive snaps against Georgia Tech.
“I went to them and said, ‘Look, Chauncey is going to play D-line. I’m not asking anybody. Chauncey’s going to play D-line, so let’s get him ready,’” Sanders recalled.
Gooden’s size, strength and aggressive mentality convinced Sanders that the 350-pound offensive lineman could help Colorado in short-yardage defensive situations.
“He’s a killer,” Sanders said. “Not only in the weight room, but his mentality at the guard position. He tries to run through them and punish them when he gets on them. If you turn that loose on the defensive side of the ball, and he’s 350, you’re not going to move him.”
Gooden also earned the opportunity by establishing himself on the offensive line.
“The deal was, if you dominate there, I’ll let you play over here,” Sanders said. “And he’s been that.”
Gooden is now working in both position rooms while also contributing to Colorado’s field-goal block unit. His expanded role represents Sanders’ broader effort to place dependable players in critical situations.
That trust extends to Sanders’ coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Chris Marve began his tenure by holding Georgia Tech’s offense without a touchdown and limiting the Yellow Jackets to 51 rushing yards. Sanders used the performance to answer those who questioned his staff changes.
“Don’t tell me he’s not qualified to do the job when we’re here every day and you’re not,” Sanders said. “We know the communication, the dedication to the job and the X’s and O’s. Not only that, but understanding the Jimmys and Joes.”
Sanders nevertheless saw vulnerabilities that could eventually cost the Buffaloes a game. His response was immediate: change the personnel, expand the roles of trusted players and demand more before Weber State arrives in Boulder.
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