Deion Sanders Sidesteps Question on Key Starter Juwan Mitchell Missing Stanford Game

The Buffaloes’ coach avoided answering a question about one of his key defenders after Colorado’s loss on Friday.

Colorado could have used the presence of linebacker Juwan Mitchell in the team’s 46-43 double-overtime loss to Stanford on Friday at Folsom Field.

Mitchell led the team in tackles (31) prior to Colorado’s road game against Arizona State on Oct. 7. However, the New Jersey native has not played in the Buffaloes' previous two games, including an embarrassing defensive performance that saw Stanford accumulate 523 yards of offense and overcome a 29-point first half deficit.

When Colorado coach Deion Sanders was asked about Mitchell’s whereabouts, the Pro Football Hall of Famer assertively dodged the question.

“Ask him [Juwan Mitchell] what happened. Next guy,” Sanders said in his news conference after the loss.

While Sanders confirmed that Mitchell was still with the team, his response suggested that the absence of the Buffaloes linebacker could be linked to a disciplinary issue. In September, Sanders had boasted about Mitchell, saying that he was a “really intelligent player," and was learning the team's defensive schemes really quickly.

With Mitchell being out, the Buffaloes’ defense has become a major area of concern. In Colorado’s last two outings against Arizona State and Stanford, the Buffaloes allowed a total of 915 yards and nine touchdowns. Sanders’s squad also sits at the bottom of the Pac-12 in total yards allowed per game.

Colorado (4-3) is on its bye week and will return to action on Oct. 28 against UCLA at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif.