The Alarming Start to the College Football Season: Decisions that Cost Teams
The college football season has officially kicked off, and with it came a flurry of performances that left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. Notably, the matchups featuring Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes and Jay Norvell’s Colorado State Rams highlighted both teams’ fragile statuses in their respective games. Decisions made by these coaches, timed out or not, have sparked debate about their effectiveness in crucial moments.
The Buffs: A Glaring Miss on Game Management
Deion Sanders has undeniably put the Colorado Buffaloes back in the spotlight, transforming them into a program of interest. However, the initial performance against Georgia Tech raised eyebrows, particularly regarding Sanders’ game management skills. The waning moments of the game saw the Buffs managing to stay competitive, but much of their potential was squandered.
Colorado found themselves trailing in a close match as the final seconds ticked away. The decision-making in the clutch was perplexing. With two timeouts in hand and the clock running down to a mere 29 seconds, Sanders chose to let the time slip away rather than call a timeout after a stagnant third-down play. This raised questions within the Buffs Nation about his ability to make pivotal calls under pressure, especially in a situation that required every possible second on the clock.
A Swing and a Miss: The Playcalling Debate
The offensive schemes employed by CU were another area of concern. Under former offensive coordinator Sean Lewis, the Buffs had established a rhythm, but with Pat Shurmur at the helm, there were moments that felt disjointed. A notable decision came when a swing pass was called with less than a minute remaining, a choice that left many questioning whether the new coaching staff fully understood the momentum of the game.
The latter half of the match served as a litmus test for Sanders — devoid of the star quarterback Shedeur Sanders and standout player Travis Hunter, it became clear that coaching acumen would be paramount in achieving victory. The absence of these “cheat codes” made the need for sharp, decisive coaching even more evident.
The Rams: Aggressive Yet Misguided
Over in Fort Collins, Jay Norvell’s Colorado State Rams also left fans wanting more after their struggle against Washington. The Rams showed some aggression, attempting a fake field goal in the fourth quarter that ultimately backfired. While Norvell exhibited a willingness to take risks, this particular play fell flat and backfired. It raised the question of whether the decision was a desperate attempt to change momentum in what had quickly evolved into a daunting uphill battle.
Like Sanders, Norvell has to be mindful of playing the hand he’s dealt. With a strong roster in place, the focus must be on execution over bravado. If the Rams harness their potential, especially by sticking to strong running strategies, they could outpace competition in the Mountain West. But inconsistency in playcalling could hamper their chances of escalating to the next level.
A Look Ahead: Learning from Mistakes
As the season moves forward, adaptations will be critical for both coaches. For Colorado, the upcoming matchup against Delaware presents an opportunity to adjust and refine their strategies. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Sanders can address the clock management woes and improve his decision-making under duress.
Meanwhile, the Rams face a similar conundrum as they seek to reestablish rhythm and control amidst their roster dynamics. With an eye on returning to his roots in the Big Ten, Norvell must recalibrate how he empowers his players, especially in critical game situations.
Final Thoughts
The football season may just be starting, but the conversations surrounding these two coaches will undoubtedly evolve as they learn from the early mistakes of the season. The spotlight is on them, not just for the wins but for how they navigate the complexities of coaching at a high level. As the pressure mounts and the stakes get higher, fans will be eager to see who rises to the occasion and who continues to falter.