Shedeur Sanders excels despite subpar year for Colorado

Buffaloes quarterback putting together an NFL ready resume in Boulder

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

What we all feared would inevitably happen has happened. Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders suffered an apparent ankle injury in another romp of Colorado. Sanders mustered every bit of energy he had to try and come back in the game only to be forced out. He showed grit by leading a four-play 65 yard touchdown drive before his exit. Prior to the injury, Sanders had already been sacked four times.

There is something positive to take from this game though. Sanders broke CU's single-season passing yards record held by Sefo Liufau. The Jackson State transfer has now thrown for 3,230 yards with only three interceptions. Those turnovers are another feat that can be added to one long list of accomplishments. It’s amazing to see what the young man has done, despite having very little protection.

The future NFL prospect has grown statistically and mentally from his years at JSU to now. His ability to keep his eyes downfield and find the open man is impressive. No part of his play has diminished since the switch to the Pac-12. Sanders not only racked up the yardage, but the passer rating has created a need for attention. While many look at the QBR, the passer rating tells you the real truth. A good passer rating leads to great protection of the ball and not jeopardizing the team. His rating of 151.7 is 34th in the nation while his interceptions are the second-fewest.

Not only are the picks low, but the TD-INT ratio is too. He has a 97-17 ratio for his career. I mean, the "Grown" QB is one touchdown away for the most touchdowns in a season in CU history. The season may be in the wash, but Shedeur’s career is looking more promising by the second. The real question that Deion Sanders and his staff have to ask this upcoming off-season is where is the help? If there's going to be no help, it’ll be a repeat in 2024.