Deion Sanders praises Kaidon Salter in Colorado’s win vs Wyoming

In a thrilling college football matchup, Coach Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes celebrated a resounding victory against Wyoming, with a final score of 37-20. The spotlight of the game was firmly fixed on quarterback Kaidon Salter, who not only demonstrated his dual-threat capabilities but also proved essential in leading the team to their second win of the season.

### Salter’s Revival

Kaidon Salter, a transfer from Liberty, showcased his talent and determination after experiencing a turbulent start to the season. Following a challenging week where he was benched in favor of redshirt sophomore Ryan Staub, Salter returned with a vengeance. He completed 18 of 28 passes for a striking 304 yards and threw three touchdowns. Additionally, he contributed a significant 86 yards on the ground, highlighted by a dynamic 35-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter, sealing the game for Colorado.

Coach Deion Sanders expressed his admiration for Salter’s performance, emphasizing the quarterback’s ability to seize the moment. Sanders noted, “Kaidon Salter came back and played his butt off,” acknowledging the determination displayed by his quarterback. The timing of Salter’s plays was impeccable, and Sanders was thrilled to witness the athlete perform at his best, especially considering the coach’s previous frustrations with Salter’s tentative playstyle earlier in the season.

### From Tentative to Dominant

Prior to the recent game, Salter had faced criticism for his lack of decisiveness, which led to his benching after the Colorado team’s 36-20 loss at Houston. His struggles to employ his running ability effectively against formidable defenses frustrated both him and his coaching staff. However, Salter’s comments post-game reflected a poised mindset: “It’s been rough not playing last week… I just stayed straight talking to family, talking to God, and just making sure the next opportunity I got I took full advantage of it.”

The game against Wyoming was pivotal, not just in terms of the scoreboard but also for Salter’s confidence. He opened the scoring with a 29-yard touchdown pass, followed by a stunning 68-yard completion on a rollout pass to Sincere Brown. At the start of the third quarter, Salter demonstrated his ability to quickly adapt by connecting on a play-action pass for a 47-yard touchdown to Joseph Williams, solidifying his role as a dynamic playmaker.

### Team Dynamics and New Mascot Enthusiasm

The atmosphere in Boulder was electric, highlighted by the introduction of the new live buffalo mascot, Ralphie VII. The exciting pregame festivities coincided with Colorado’s rallying energy, giving the team a much-needed boost after their previous loss. Coach Sanders humorously remarked about the mascot’s enthusiasm, drawing a parallel to his team’s performance: “She started out well and finished strong, unlike us.”

The Buffaloes raced to a commanding lead of 28-3 but saw Wyoming claw back to within 30-20 late in the game. This led to tension among fans and highlights the areas of improvement Sanders emphasized: “We have to stay hungry regardless of what the score is,” he said, advocating for a consistent and enduring performance throughout the game.

### Preparing for Future Challenges

Looking ahead, Colorado must build on this momentum as they prepare to face BYU in their next game. The team has faced injuries this season, which could potentially affect their strategy and lineup. Coach Sanders shared his concerns following the game about injuries but remains optimistic about the overall trajectory of the team, saying, “We’re better than that.”

As Salter finds his rhythm and confidence, Coach Sanders reiterated the importance of consistent play at the quarterback position: “When we get that consistently, we’re gonna be hard to deal with.”

### Conclusion

Kaidon Salter’s revival against Wyoming not only revitalized the Colorado Buffaloes but also allowed Coach Deion Sanders to regain confidence in his quarterback selection. As the team adjusts to the challenges ahead, the synergy between Salter’s playmaking abilities and Sanders’ strategic coaching could be the key to overcoming formidable opponents in the upcoming games. This win not only bolstered Colorado’s standings but also set the tone for a competitive season in the Big 12 Conference.

In summary, the combination of Salter’s impressive skills and Sanders’ magnetic coaching presents a hopeful outlook for the future of Colorado football. The harmonious relationship between the players and coaching staff will undoubtedly shape their performance as they search for further successes this season.

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