Deion Sanders downplays pressure with Matt Rhule as tamer model of Colorado-Nebraska looms
The school soccer rivalry between Colorado and Nebraska feels extra tame this season — at the very least in entrance of the cameras. Final 12 months, tensions have been excessive after Deion Sanders and certainly one of his sons took concern with feedback from Huskers head coach Matt Rhule. Nevertheless, forward of Saturday’s showdown in Lincoln, each coaches have expressed mutual respect for each other.
“There’s all the time plenty of hype,” Sanders mentioned in regards to the rivalry with Nebraska. “Initially, I’ve a ton of respect for Matt Rhule. He is in — I name it our class of coaches. All of us took on an incredible check that 12 months, together with (Kenny) Dillingham and a number of other others. So I really feel like we’re a fraternity. So, I root for that class of head coaches that got here in that 12 months. He was knowledgeable, did an exceptional job — perhaps not the job that he aspired to do, however he has a ton of expertise, and I really like what he is achieved in his faculty teaching profession.”
Shedeur Sanders recalled Rhule exhibiting “disrespect” towards the Colorado program within the spring of 2023, criticizing the Buffaloes’ aggressive use of the switch portal. Rhule addressed that pressure from final season, acknowledging that the change of phrases could have gone too far.
“I do not take something (personally),” Rhule mentioned Monday, through Husker247. “Everyone’s bought their very own issues to do. I’ve bought love in my coronary heart and plenty of respect for what they’re doing. Nothing will hassle me. On the finish of the day, if Shedeur felt like I disrespected his father, he is standing up for him. Good for him. My son would arise for me. I’ve bought a bunch of gamers in there, they will present up on Saturday.”
Each Colorado and Nebraska enter the Week 2 matchup coming off wins of their respective season openers. The Buffaloes bought previous FCS powerhouse North Dakota State, 31-26, whereas the Huskers dominated UTEP, 40-7, after taking management within the remaining three quarters.
The Buffaloes staved off an embarrassing collapse within the closing minutes, with the Bison falling simply 5 yards quick on a last-second Hail Mary try. After the sport, Deion Sanders expressed blended emotions in regards to the victory, however had a pointed message for doubters — or these hoping for a loss.
“We’re not for seems to be, man. The ‘W’ or the ‘L,’ that is what you keep in mind,” Sanders mentioned, through BuffStampede. “You guys can decide it aside all you need, however you are right here for the ‘W’ or the ‘L.’ A few of you might be upset that we bought the ‘W,’ a few of you might be actually mad that we did not get the ‘L.’ So, God bless you all. You will have to attend once more till subsequent week.”
Quarterbacks shall be within the highlight Saturday after Shedeur Sanders led the FBS with 445 passing yards and 4 touchdowns for Colorado. In the meantime, Nebraska’s five-star true freshman Dylan Raiola impressed in his debut, finishing 19 of 27 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns, with the offense additionally racking up 223 speeding yards.
“I search for them to be bodily powerful, imposing, attempt to run the soccer,” Deion Sanders mentioned. “They’ve a freshman quarterback that had a fairly good day final week, however we bought to do what we do. We bought to go in there and do what we’re able to doing.”
Raiola was named Massive Ten Freshman of the Week for his efficiency in his first collegiate begin, the convention introduced Monday.
Raiola is the second Husker true freshman to start out a season opener since World Conflict II. He guided the Huskers to touchdowns on 5 of his eight collection in opposition to the Miners, and performed only one drive within the second half. Raiola threw each of his landing passes within the second quarter; Nebraska’s 23 second-quarter factors was its highest whole since 2018. In all, Raiola threw for 192 yards within the first half. As a workforce, the Huskers threw for 284 yards, their highest single-game whole since 2022.
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Colorado owns a three-game win streak in opposition to Nebraska. Kickoff inside Memorial Stadium is ready for 7:30 p.m. ET. on NBC.
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