Deion Sanders proclaimed "I'm back" following the Colorado Buffaloes' stunning 14-13 upset victory over Georgia Tech on Thursday night. The win, sealed by a blocked field goal as time expired, avenged a season-opening loss to the Yellow Jackets from the previous year.
Colorado's triumph came in Sanders' first return to Atlanta as an FBS head coach. The Buffaloes rallied in the closing moments, with quarterback Julian Lewis connecting on a go-ahead touchdown pass with 37 seconds remaining. Georgia Tech's subsequent attempt to win the game with a field goal was thwarted by Colorado's special teams.
Addressing Critics
The victory offered a moment of vindication for Sanders and his team, who had faced criticism and mockery over the summer, particularly regarding their perceived physical size after images from training camp circulated online. Sanders directly addressed these critiques following the game, highlighting his team's rushing performance and contrasting it with Georgia Tech's.
"We rushed for 183 (yards), my God. They rushed for 51. I thought we were small?" Sanders stated, referencing the earlier criticism. He also suggested the Buffaloes' presence contributed to the game being the first sellout at Georgia Tech's home opener in two decades.
The win marked a significant turnaround for Colorado, which finished last season with a 3-9 record, including a 1-8 mark in Big 12 play. The team had fallen out of the national spotlight after a period of prominence.
Sanders, often referred to as "Coach Prime," has a history of bold declarations, and his post-game comments signaled a return to his characteristic confidence. The dramatic finish underscored the unpredictable nature of college football, with Lewis delivering a pivotal performance in the game's final drive after a challenging start to the contest.