Deion Sanders is still brimming with confidence in himself and his ability to get Colorado back on track, even in the aftermath of back-to-back humiliating losses. Colorado didn't just lose the last two games: it was dismantled by a combined score of 105-24.
The Buffaloes followed up a 46-point road loss to Utah with a 35-point home loss to Arizona. Any optimism from the upset win over Iowa State before the bye week was replaced with the reality of how far away Colorado remains from legitimately competing in the Big 12.
The last two games were not only disheartening and all but ended Colorado's hopes of even garnering bowl eligibility in 2025, but have now raised legitimate questions about the future of the program and if Coach Prime is the right guy to lead them forward.
Despite the losses, Sanders remains confident in his own ability to get things fixed. He didn't deflect any of the blame: he told reporters to place the blame for the last two performances squarely on his shoulders. He didn't allow any players to be available to the media after the game in an attempt to shield them from criticism he wanted laid in his own lap.
Coach Prime still believes he's the right man for the job, though that faith has waned within the Colorado fanbase for the first time since he took over before the 2023 season.
"I never doubt me," Sanders said. "I don't doubt me. Let's get that straight. I. Don't. Doubt. Me. The confidence level of me doing this job? I'm built for this. I don't doubt me."
Deion Sanders believes he's built for the Colorado job. Fans are no longer sure
Colorado fans aren't as sure that Coach Prime is the right man for the job anymore. There's genuine doubt within the fanbase for the first time since he took over. Even amidst a 4-8 first season in 2023, there were tangible signs of progress with a team that had won just one game the year prior to Sanders' arrival.
Last year was a genuine breakthrough, with Colorado winning nine games and finishing tied for first in the Big 12 standings.
This year, though? What is there for Coach Prime and the Buffaloes to hang their hats on? What can fans point to that gets them excited about the direction of the program?
There may only be one thing, and that's the development of freshman QB Julian Lewis. The former 5-star recruit flashed his potential in the second half of Saturday's loss to Arizona. Sanders hasn't made the official announcement, but it seems obvious that Lewis will make his first career start next weekend on the road against West Virginia.
Lewis is the future face of the program, though Sanders and his staff have a lot of work to do to bring in talent around him and make Lewis believe that the relationship is mutually beneficial.