Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders Compares FCS to FBS Play After Debut

He broke a Buffaloes passing record in his FBS-level debut Saturday.

Expectations for Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders were fairly high after his impressive run playing for his father Deion at Jackson State. Of course, as with any high-profile transfer up from the FCS to FBS Power 5 level, questions remained about how he would handle a higher level of competition.

Based on one game against last year’s College Football Playoff runner-up, Sanders has provided some strong answers.

Sanders broke the Buffaloes single-game passing yard record in his debut, throwing for 510 yards and four touchdowns in the 45–42 win. When asked about the difference he felt in opponents playing his first FBS game, he largely downplayed things beyond the athleticism of the defensive lines and the depth of talent.

“The only difference between FCS and this level is the D-line get off blocks if you try to scramble up faster. Everything else, you’ve got good players, good DBs, good receivers, everything like that. You just have more of those on the field at once,” said Sanders after the win.

“Everybody on the field ain’t going first round. A lot on the field may not get drafted. So people fear names, I don’t fear names, because I really don’t care. When you fear names, that’s half the battle.”

𝙌𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: “Did anything feel different Shedeur? Did anything feel different today?”

𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬: “I’ll say the only difference between FCS & this level is — the DLine get off blocks if you try to scramble up, faster … that’s it.”

… “people fear… pic.twitter.com/Wt1lGd8cDU

— FCS Nation Radio (@FCSNationRadio1) September 4, 2023

Sanders added that he respects TCU, but he wasn’t worried about the Horned Frogs’ reputation entering the game. That mindset will serve him well, as Colorado seeks to continue an incredible first-season turnaround under his father.

Last year, Colorado went 1–11 and was one of the worst teams in the FBS before making the bold decision to bring in Deion Sanders from Jackson State. With Sanders’s move to Colorado, he also brought in a litany of transfers including his sons Shedeur and Shilo—a veteran defensive back—and two-way superstar Travis Hunter. 

With September matchups against Nebraska, Oregon and USC on the horizon, Colorado would do well to continue not fearing the names on the front of their opponents’ jerseys.