Colorado Buffaloes Prepare for North Dakota State: High Praise for Shedeur Sanders from Bison Coach
As the Colorado Buffaloes gear up for their highly anticipated matchup against North Dakota State on Thursday, the spotlight is firmly on quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Known for his poise, talent, and ability to make plays both on and off-script, Sanders has caught the attention of many, including North Dakota State’s head coach, who had plenty to say about the young quarterback ahead of the game.
In a recent press conference, the North Dakota State coach shared his thoughts on Sanders, offering high praise and insightful analysis of the Colorado star’s abilities.
“Four weeks ago, as we started preparing for Colorado, my mind immediately went to the off-schedule plays that Sanders makes happen,” the coach said. “He’s the best player North Dakota State has faced yet. I truly believe that. He’s process-oriented, progression-based, and fully aware of footwork, timing, and rhythm.”
A Quarterback Who Plays the Position the Right Way
The coach’s admiration for Sanders goes beyond his physical talent. He emphasized that Sanders has a deep understanding of the quarterback position, playing it the way it’s meant to be played—with precision, timing, and rhythm.
“He takes what the defense gives him,” the coach continued. “He goes to the right spots, and on top of that, he can play from different platforms. One of his strongest suits is his ability to get his cleats in the ground and deliver the ball quickly when he needs to.”
This quick decision-making, especially under pressure, has allowed Sanders to excel in various situations, including run-pass options (RPOs) and relief-type plays. According to the coach, Sanders is also particularly impressive when faced with defensive challenges, like a three-man rush.
“If you show him a three-man rush, he’s going to buy time, extend plays, and hit second and third-level throws that are uncommon. He’s got great accuracy, especially on deep crossers.”
Beyond Physical Talent: Intelligence and Game Management
One aspect of Sanders’ game that the coach highlighted was his ability to manage the game smartly. While some quarterbacks may try to force plays, Sanders knows when to make the simple, yet crucial decision to throw the ball away.
“Some of his best plays are the simple ones, like throwing the ball away when needed. I admire that about him because it shows he understands the game at a deeper level.”
The North Dakota State coach made it clear that Sanders isn’t just a gifted athlete—he’s a cerebral quarterback who plays the position with intention. This combination of physical talent and football IQ has made Sanders one of the most talked-about college players in the country.
Extending Plays with His Eyes Downfield
What sets Sanders apart from other quarterbacks is his ability to extend plays while keeping his focus downfield. Unlike many quarterbacks who are quick to tuck the ball and run when under pressure, Sanders looks to pass first, using his legs to buy time rather than rush downfield.
“He’s not a runner first, but he’s capable of it,” the coach noted. “He extends plays and keeps his eyes downfield. It’s pretty impressive. He plays the position the way it’s supposed to be played, with footwork, timing, and rhythm.”
This quality has made Sanders a difficult opponent for defenses, as he’s able to turn broken plays into big gains, often making throws that most quarterbacks can’t execute.
A First-Round Talent
Perhaps the most striking comment from the North Dakota State coach was his prediction for Sanders’ future. He confidently stated that fans should appreciate watching Sanders now, as he’s likely headed to the NFL as a first-round draft pick.
“I think our fans should be excited,” the coach said. “They get to see one of the top quarterbacks, a future first-round draft pick, play against the Bison.”
Such high praise from an opposing coach speaks volumes about Sanders’ skill level and potential. The upcoming game between the Colorado Buffaloes and North Dakota State will be a tough test for both teams, but Sanders will undoubtedly be at the center of the action.
Colorado’s Preparation and the Challenge Ahead
While Sanders has been the focus of much attention, the entire Colorado Buffaloes team is preparing for what promises to be a challenging game. North Dakota State is known for being a tough, well-coached team, and they’ve built a reputation for being fierce competitors. But with Sanders leading the offense, Colorado feels confident they can rise to the occasion.
As the game approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Sanders will perform against North Dakota State’s defense. His ability to make plays outside the pocket, read defenses, and make quick decisions under pressure will be key factors in Colorado’s success.
Conclusion
With Thursday fast approaching, all eyes are on the Colorado Buffaloes and their star quarterback, Shedeur Sanders. The high praise from North Dakota State’s head coach only adds to the excitement surrounding the game. Sanders’ combination of intelligence, skill, and athleticism has made him a standout player, and as he continues to develop, his future in the NFL looks bright.
For now, though, Sanders and the Buffaloes have their sights set on North Dakota State. Fans on both sides should be ready for a thrilling matchup, as Sanders looks to continue proving why he’s one of the top quarterbacks in college football.