Colorado head coach Deion Sanders ushered in a new era for the Buffaloes by inviting superfan Peggy Coppom, 98, to handle the kickoff. A packed crowd standing in the snow went into a frenzy.
There was a possibility that the spring game could be postponed due to snow. But Sanders said the team prayed for it, so play along. The game was different, with skirmishes only during the first period due to field conditions, but the fans didn’t seem to mind.
A packed house welcomed Coach Prime onto the field with a standing ovation, with the head coach taking a bow to thank those who attended. Sanders walked the field in a white cowboy hat, playing to the crowd at every opportunity.
Colorado has a long way to go before the 2023 season, but the level of excitement was evident at Folsom Field. The crowd went wild after Travis Hunter scored the first touchdown. The «It’s Time» catchphrase was in full force as Deion prepared his team for kickoff and the snowplows made sure the playing surface was ready.
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Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders watches his team warm up before their spring game at Folsom Field on April 22, 2023 in Boulder, Colorado. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Deion Sanders knows how to promote the future in Colorado
During the ESPN broadcast, Deion said that players are knocking on the door to get into his soccer program.
«We have a lot of commitments, but I don’t think we should talk about it yet,» Sanders said during the game. «We’ve been there bouncing around the office, baby. There are so many commitments. I love it. I love every minute of it. Look at it. How can you not?»
It’s safe to assume that Deion will bring in a new generation of talent after the game, with the transfer portal still open. Several players left the program, so Sanders has more room to find the right players for Colorado. There was an accelerated speed on offense, which resembled what Josh Heupel and Tennessee were running last season.
There could be as many as 70 new faces on the Colorado soccer program next season.
Field crew members work to clear snow from the field on the morning of Colorado’s spring football game at Folsom Field on April 22, 2023, in Boulder, Colorado. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
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But this is the Coach Prime way, so expect a series of wrinkles on offense in the coming months. Considering that Travis Hunter could be the best playmaker on the roster, there will be an emphasis on giving him the ball often.
As Alabama and LSU played on the ESPN broadcast channel, Deion Sanders had his team play in front of a national audience. Chris Fowler and Robert Griffin III and his team followed Sanders on the field, capturing his raw emotions on camera.
What we witness Saturday will be something the Pac-12 will look to take advantage of in 2023, especially with start times and net placement. As the snow fell, all Deion could do was smile as he looked at the huge crowd that showed up.
The fans have already bought. Season tickets for the 2023 season are sold out. The real challenge begins now, with a team that went 1-11 in 2022 looking to bowl and build for the future.
Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders watches his team warm up before their spring game at Folsom Field on April 22, 2023 in Boulder, Colorado. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
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The Coach Prime era is underway and will open the season against TCU.