Deion Sanders defends Colorado's late-game clock management - ESPN

BOULDER, Colo. — A feisty Deion Sanders is pushing back against anyone second-guessing his clock management or calling out his coaching staff.

The Colorado coach also announced highly touted freshman quarterback Julian «JuJu» Lewis would see the field against Delaware this weekend and suggested the NCAA should consider some rule adjustments to promote kickoff returns.

Sanders had a lot on his mind Tuesday after taking a few days to ponder a 27-20 loss to Georgia Tech to open the season. It's the first time Sanders has started 0-1 at either Colorado or Jackson State.

«If we hit the darn plays, we wouldn't be asking these questions,» said Sanders, who is in his third season at Colorado. «We had the plays. We just didn't make it happen.»

Play by play, Sanders went into detail on Colorado's final drive with 1:07 left and why he saved his two timeouts. The first play — a pass that resulted in minus-2 yards — ended up chewing a chunk of time.

«Do you call a timeout there? No, you're right there. You don't call a timeout there. You've got to go. You've got to go,» he said. «You're running tempo.»

The Buffaloes ended up driving to the 50 with three seconds remaining before attempting a Hail Mary that was knocked down.

«We're trying to fix what was broken last week and we're on to this week,» Sanders said. «I was there a few days ago, but I'm gone now. I'm into this week now.»

The offense proved inconsistent in Week 1 with Kaidon Salter taking over for Shedeur Sanders at quarterback and as offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur adjusts to calling plays for more of a dual-threat option.

The Buffaloes turned three early turnovers into just seven points.

Asked about the conversations with Shurmur in the aftermath, Sanders responded: