Deion Sanders, head coach of the University of Colorado Boulder football team, had some playful words for former President Barack Obama following the Buffaloes’ decisive victory over the University of Arizona Wildcats on Saturday, October 19, 2024. The exchange highlighted the intersection of sports and politics, with Sanders accusing Obama of “playing the political game” in his pre-game prediction.
On Friday, while campaigning in Tucson, Arizona for Vice President Kamala Harris, Obama mentioned the upcoming football game between Colorado and Arizona. The former President told the crowd, “As we landed, we saw Colorado’s buses at the airport. And I know Colorado’s got a couple good players. But I also know you guys have beaten them twice in a row, so don’t bet against the Wildcats tomorrow.”
Sanders, affectionately known as “Coach Prime,” took exception to Obama’s characterization of his team as having just “a couple good players.” After Colorado’s commanding 34-7 victory over Arizona, Sanders addressed Obama’s comments in his post-game press conference.
Sanders shared that President Obama means a lot to him—he loves, admires, and respects him. However, he acknowledged that he heard Obama’s comments about the game. Sanders explained that this is why he doesn’t usually get involved in politics; he prefers to focus on people because politicians often have to play the political game. While Obama had to do the same during his time in office, Sanders noted that his Colorado team has more than two good players.
The Colorado Buffaloes proved Sanders’ point on the field, dominating the Wildcats. By halftime, Colorado had built a commanding 28-7 lead, demonstrating their depth beyond just a few standout players. The team’s performance was so strong that they could rest star player Travis Hunter for the entire second half.
Sanders acknowledged that Obama likely received statistics about Arizona’s recent success against Colorado, referring to the former President mentioning Arizona’s two consecutive wins against the Buffaloes. “But president, c’mon man,” Sanders playfully chided. “You my man. I love you, I appreciate you, but c’mon dawg. God bless you. I still love you.”
The victory improved Colorado’s record to 5-2 for the season, surpassing their win total from the previous year and bringing them closer to bowl game eligibility. The team’s success under Sanders’ leadership has been a significant storyline in college football this season, attracting attention from sports fans and political figures.
As the Buffaloes continue their season, they’ll look to build on this momentum. Their next challenge comes against the University of Cincinnati Bearcats, as they aim to prove further that they have more than just a couple good players.
