Colorado is arguably the hottest college football story of 2023, as the Buffaloes look for their third consecutive win to begin the season. And although Colorado could’ve looked past this week’s game against Colorado State and toward Oregon next week, Rams head coach Jay Norvell added fuel to the intrastate rivalry.
Earlier this week, Norvell criticized the fact that Sanders sometimes keeps his hat and sunglasses on while speaking with reporters. The move to call out Sanders seems unwise, considering the Buffs used perceived disrespect to motivate them in wins over TCU and Nebraska.
Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders appeared on ESPN’s First Take on Friday, and he questioned why Norvell would be willing to provoke his father and coach.
“You gotta be a fool to do that,” Shedeur said. “You got his son playing quarterback, his other son playing safety. Come on now, you’re asking for it. It’s just extra motivation, that’s what it is.”
Shannon Sharpe: "When opposing coaches take shots at [Deion Sanders], what's going through your mind?"
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 15, 2023
Shedeur Sanders: "You gotta be a fool to do that... Come on now, you're asking for it. It's just extra motivation." 🗣️
(via @FirstTake)pic.twitter.com/rymU3YR3PX
After Norvell’s comments, many observers are predicting a Buffaloes blowout over the Rams. Colorado already was heavily favored to win, but now there is added motivation in the form of Norvell’s critique.
Shedeur already has turned perceived slights by opposing coaches into motivation, from his gripe against TCU assistant Kendal Briles to his father’s beef with Nebraska coach Matt Rhule. Saturday’s game against Colorado State will provide another chance for him to stick it to naysayers.