There’s no denying that Colorado head coach Deion Sanders can sell his program to recruits, fans, boosters and even some members of the media, but his acumen as an actual playcaller is being called into question after a headscratcher on fourth down in the first quarter against Nebraska today.
After being forced to punt on his opening drive and giving up a touchdown on Nebraska’s first drive, Colorado faced a three-and-out again with a 4th-and-1 from Nebraska’s 28 yard line. Rather than go for the punt, Sanders decided to go for it.
Unfortunately, the playcall was a run and running back Charlie Offerdahl couldn’t even get back to the line of scrimmage before being dropped for a loss – and a turnover on downs.
Sanders was fortunate that his defense was able to force a punt. But it was a massive missed opportunity and one that fans have been ripping him for ever since.
“Coach Prime is an idiot. 4th Down on your own 30????” one fan wrote with a laugh.
“Deion Sanders chose to give the ball to Charlie Offerdahl on a 4th and 1 play.. I support coach prime, but his coaching and decision making needs some real help! Great player, mediocre coach..” wrote another.
“Another guy who is not a good coach is Deion Sanders. He has no understanding of time and clock management, screws up his time outs and looks lost on the sideline,” a third remarked.
The ensuing punt that the Colorado defense forced did little good as quarterback Shedeur Sanders threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown to give Nebraska a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. The game is being played on NBC.
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