Emmanuel Acho claims Colorado’s ‘identity’ as a football team under Deion Sanders is at stake against Arizona State

Acho acknowledges Deion Sanders' influence on college football but also demands from them to bounce back from the recent setbacks and proof to everyone that they are the real deal

Emmanuel Acho claims Colorado’s ‘identity’ as a football team under Deion Sanders is at stake against Arizona State

FS1 analyst Emmanuel Acho raises the question that Deion Sanders' legacy with the Colorado Buffaloes is at stake in the next game (Image via IMAGO)

Deion Sanders‘s impact on college football has been nothing short of monumental. Despite all the adversities and criticism, he has managed to turn the 18th-place Colorado Buffaloes into a team that every other coach will think twice about going up against. Despite that, Emmanuel Acho feels the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils will be a litmus test for the Boulder side.

“What Deion has done for the landscape of college football, I haven’t seen anything like it,” Acho said in a recent episode of FOX Sports 1’s Speak. “Maybe Messi recently, and maybe the NBA when it went global between Magic [Johnson] and Michael [Jordan]. In recent history, I haven’t seen anything like it.”

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Coach Prime went into the football season as an underdog. But he had the support of several fans who had grown up watching him dominate defenders during his time in the NFL. They knew in the back of their minds that this was Deion Sanders; if anyone can change the landscape, it’s prime time. Under Sanders’ tutelage, the Buffaloes delivered and currently have 3 wins out of 5. It’s a complete 180 from last year when they only recorded a solitary victory all season. But to Acho, that’s not enough. He pointed out that the teams he has won against are not that great themselves.

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“What he’s doing on a football field, I gotta see more,” he added. “They beat TCU; their best win is over SMU. TCU is a 3 and 2 football team. You beat Nebraska; that’s their backup quarterback now. Like, what have you done on the football field? You went to overtime versus Colorado State? Who are you as a team?”

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Emmanuel Acho does put forward some good points regarding Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes

Last year, Colorado decided to poach Deion Sanders from Jackson State, where he had a similar impact, winning back-to-back titles. But not even in their wildest dreams would they have guessed that his mere presence would attract so much media attention. Upon arrival, he declared that he was here to stay. So far, the flare from his players has kept the faith intact.

Emmanuel Acho claims Colorado’s ‘identity’ as a football team under Deion Sanders is at stake against Arizona State
Deion Sanders in a post-match conference after the USC loss (Image via YouTube)

But Acho does state some valid points. TCU, despite reaching the national finals last season, is struggling this time around. They only have 1 win out of 5 games. Then there’s the regional rivalry against the Colorado State Rams, which they were predicted to win by an onslaught dragged into overtime. The two games they have lost were against strong opponents. Oregon and USC will pose a challenge for either side. On top of that, they each boast top quarterback talents in the form of Bo Nix and Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams.

In all honesty, the Buffs have managed to escape largely due to the fact they have a quality quarterback of their own. Shedeur Sanders, son of Deion Sanders, has been a revelation at this level. The 21-year-old has thrown 1781 yards for 15 touchdowns and has only two interceptions. Not only that, he also has two rushing touchdowns to his name. With stats like this, there have been calls for him to be part of the Heisman talk.

However, the biggest hurdle for Deion Sanders’ Buffaloes is the offensive line. They have given up at least 35 points (besides the Nebraska game) this season. Not only that, it has affected Shedeur’s play as well. He has been sacked 25 times by the opposition defense. However, Sports Illustrated reported that he might be doing that on purpose. Next is the 1-4 Arizona State, who on paper look to be walking over for Deion Sanders’ boys. But judging by their tendency to concede so many points, it will be an interesting matchup.

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