Deion Sanders: Had to 'Hold Back My Anger' After Colorado's Narrow Win vs. NDSU

Deion Sanders wasn't exactly in a celebratory mood after Colorado held on for a 31-26 win over North Dakota State in its 2024 season opener on Thursday night.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Sanders explained he felt like he had to "hold back my anger" because the victory didn't feel like one.

"You ever feel like you won but you didn't win?" he added. "Let's move on from that. I'm going to try my best to hold back my anger. But we got a 'W' so I'm happy."

Entering the second season with Sanders at the helm, expectations are high for Colorado. The team got off to a red-hot start last season with three straight wins before losing eight of its final nine games.

Thursday's game looked very similar to how the Buffaloes played in 2023. The offense was electric with a lot of big plays, but the defense frequently struggled.

Shedeur Sanders threw for 445 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. He did have a strange moment near the end of the game when he took a deep shot to LaJohntay Wester at a point when Colorado could have run out the clock for the win.

The pass was incomplete and the Buffaloes later had to punt the ball back to North Dakota State with 31 seconds remaining clinging to a 31-26 lead.

Bison quarterback Cam Miller's Hail Mary from his own 47-yard line was completed to Tyler Terhark, but the pass was short of the goal line and Colorado was able to tackle him to preserve the win.

Colorado's defense did tighten up in the second half, allowing just one touchdown drive after North Dakota State scored on each of its first four possessions to start the game. The unit overall allowed 449 total yards, including 12.2 yards per pass attempt.

As the competition level increases, though, Colorado will have to play much better to make a bowl game for the first time since 2020.

Next up for Coach Prime and the Buffaloes will be a showdown with Nebraska at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 7.