Deion Sanders’ CU Buffs Suffer Devastating 53-7 Loss to Utah

UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, the Colorado Buffaloes were decisively defeated by the Utah Utes, ending with a staggering score of 53-7 at Rice-Eccles Stadium on October 21, 2023. This marks one of the most challenging losses for head coach Deion Sanders since taking over the program.

After the game, Sanders expressed his dismay, stating, “This is bad. This is probably the worst beating I’ve ever had.” The Buffs struggled on all fronts, allowing 422 rushing yards and a total of 587 yards in offense from the Utes, while only managing 140 total yards themselves.

Sanders highlighted the lack of performance, saying, “You ain’t winning (with that),” emphasizing the dire need for improvement across the board. The Buffs’ special teams faltered, giving up a fake punt and enduring a blocked punt, leading to a comprehensive defeat.

Colorado’s performance has raised serious concerns as they fell to 3-5 overall and 1-4 in the Big 12 this season. This defeat is notably their worst since a prior 54-7 loss to Washington in November 2022, and the largest halftime deficit (43-0) since 2012.

Sanders acknowledged the team’s issues, stating, “All three phases, we got our butts kicked.” He took responsibility for the team’s performance, stating, “Well that starts with me. It starts with the coaching staff.” Despite an optimistic win against then-No. 22 Iowa State just two weeks prior, the Buffs appeared unprepared for this matchup against Utah, who showed up with a fierce game plan.

Freshman quarterback Byrd Ficklin shined for Utah, totaling 291 yards in offense and scoring three touchdowns, further capitalizing on Colorado’s defensive lapses. The Buffs’ quarterback Kaidon Salter struggled significantly, completing only 41% of his passes with 37 yards and an interception.

As the team faces mounting pressure, they must regroup quickly with a game against Arizona approaching this Saturday. Sanders acknowledged the urgency of the situation, saying, “We gotta figure this out like now. Now.”

The Buffaloes need to address their leadership crisis and identity issues as they move forward. With Sanders vowing to tackle these problems head-on, the pressure mounts for the once-promising season to turn around. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Buffs prepare for their next challenge.