Colorado football coach Deion Sanders has slightly adjusted his preseason promise to Colorado superfan Peggy Coppom. Initially, he vowed to get his team to a postseason bowl game in her honor, but now the Buffaloes have their sights set even higher – on the Big 12 Conference championship and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff.

Defying Expectations, Buffaloes Surge Towards the Top

Roster Overhaul Fuels Remarkable Turnaround

In his first year as Colorado's head coach, Deion Sanders orchestrated an unprecedented roster overhaul, bringing in 51 scholarship transfer players in 2023. This bold move, coupled with the retention of just nine returning scholarship players, has paid dividends. The Buffaloes' defense, in particular, has undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming noticeably more physical and effective.Sanders credits this roster flip as the driving force behind Colorado's success. "We flipped the dern roster, remember?" he said. "We got the people that we wanted. You can't keep forgetting: We got here in December a couple of years ago, right? That's kind of tough. Backs were up against the wall. It was kind of tough. We flipped the dern roster, and I'm proud of them. I'm proud of these young men. I'm proud of the coaching staff. Flipped that, too."The Buffaloes' impressive turnaround is all the more remarkable considering their recent struggles. Just a year ago, they finished the season with a 4-8 record in Sanders' first year as coach, and the year before that, they had a dismal 1-11 record. Now, they find themselves in a position to compete for the Big 12 Conference championship and potentially earn a berth in the College Football Playoff.

Buffaloes Control Their Own Destiny

With a current record of 7-2, the Buffaloes are now in control of their own destiny. If they win their final three regular-season games against Utah, Kansas, and Oklahoma State, they will secure a spot in the Big 12 Conference championship game on December 7th in Arlington, Texas. A victory in that game would then earn them a berth in the new 12-team College Football Playoff, and they might even secure a first-round bye if they are among the four highest-ranked conference champions.This remarkable turnaround has not gone unnoticed, and the Buffaloes' success has caught the attention of the national media. Fox's "Big Noon" pregame show will be traveling to Boulder this week to cover the highly anticipated matchup against the Utah Utes.

Honoring a Centenarian Superfan

Throughout this remarkable season, Deion Sanders has remained focused on honoring Colorado superfan Peggy Coppom, who will be celebrating her 100th birthday next week. Initially, Sanders had vowed to get his team to a postseason bowl game in her honor, but now he wants even more for her."I was really dedicated to get Peggy to a bowl game," Sanders said. "Now we trying to get Peggy to the game. Yeah, it was a bowl game. Now it's the game."The Buffaloes' success has not only brought joy to their loyal fanbase but has also provided an opportunity to celebrate the life and dedication of a true Colorado icon in Peggy Coppom. As the team continues its quest for the Big 12 title and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff, the motivation to honor Coppom's unwavering support remains a driving force.

Facing a Formidable Opponent in Utah

The Buffaloes' next challenge comes in the form of the Utah Utes, who will be visiting Boulder this Saturday for a "Big Noon" matchup on Fox. Despite the Utes' underwhelming 4-5 record, Sanders is not taking them lightly, acknowledging the team's stingy defense under head coach Kyle Whittingham."You cannot take this team lightly," Sanders said. "I don't give a dern what their record is. As long as he's over there on that sideline, you better be prepared for a tough game. Thank God it's at home and it's early. I like it like that."The Utes' defense has been particularly impressive, ranking first nationally in third-down defense and scoring defense, as well as eighth in team pass efficiency defense. Sanders recognizes the challenge his team will face, but he is confident in his players' ability to rise to the occasion.

Embracing the Big 12 Atmosphere

The transition from the Southeastern Conference to the Big 12 has been an adjustment for some of Colorado's players, including wide receiver Will Sheppard, who transferred from Vanderbilt. Sheppard, who had a standout performance in last week's win at Texas Tech, where fans threw tortillas and trash on the field, acknowledged that the game-day atmosphere in the Big 12 doesn't quite match the intensity of the SEC."Nah, it doesn't stack up," Sheppard said when asked about the comparison.Despite the differences, the Buffaloes have embraced the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the Big 12 conference. As they continue their pursuit of the conference title and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff, the team is focused on maintaining their momentum and proving their worth on the national stage.

Deion Sanders' Lucrative Incentives

As the Buffaloes' success continues to grow, so too do the potential financial rewards for Deion Sanders. His contract with Colorado includes lucrative incentives, with $150,000 earned for reaching six wins and an additional $100,000 for each subsequent win during the regular season.Sanders' son, Shedeur, recently inquired about the potential earnings, asking, "I heard you get like, you know, $100K extra per win. Where mine at?"While Sanders remained coy in his response, the financial implications of the Buffaloes' success are undoubtedly a significant factor in the coach's drive to lead his team to new heights. However, Sanders' primary focus remains on the team's performance and the opportunity to honor Peggy Coppom and the Colorado faithful.With three regular-season games remaining and the potential for a Big 12 championship and College Football Playoff berth, the Buffaloes' journey has captivated the college football world. Deion Sanders and his team have defied expectations and are poised to make history, both on the field and in the record books.