Sanders, Sitake Meet in Primetime Boulder Rematch

Colorado and BYU meet in a primetime rematch in Boulder after BYU routed Colorado 36-14 in last season’s Alamo Bowl. Colorado has lost Heisman winner Travis Hunter and QB Shedeur Sanders, is 2-2 and is rotating quarterbacks with multiple transfers and a freshman competing for the job. BYU — which lost Jake Retzlaff — has opened 3-0 and is starting true freshman Bear Bachmeier; its defense, highlighted by Evan Johnson’s two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), helped lift the Cougars into the AP Top 25. Deion Sanders expressed deep respect and friendship for BYU coach Kalani Sitake and warned his team to prepare for a physical, disciplined opponent; Sitake likewise praised Sanders and downplayed carryover from the bowl. Sanders also singled out Colorado’s discipline and penalty problems as areas that must improve, and former NFL quarterback Steve Young publicly praised Sanders’ talent and locker-room leadership, underscoring national interest in the matchup.