One of the most entertaining games of the nonconference slate in 2023 was among the multitude of non-con in-state rivalry matchups: Colorado vs. Colorado State.
In Deion Sanders’ first season at the helm, and coming off back-to-back wins over TCU and Nebraska, the Buffs were riding high into a home matchup with the Rams, and did so as the No. 18 team in the country.
But, before the game ever started, a quote from CSU head coach Jay Norvell started making its rounds.
“When I talk to grown-ups, I take my hat off and my glasses off,” Norvell said, throwing a not-so-subtle jab at Sanders.
The quote turned into an entire ordeal, as the back and forth between Norvell and Sanders grew into free sunglasses for the hosts of First Take and for each player on the team ahead of the CU-CSU game.
Colorado would go on to win the game 43-35 in 2OT after Shedeur Sanders led the Buffs on a 98-yard drive to tie the game with less than a minute to go.
Now, a year after the fact, Norvell is still being questioned about the rivalry at Mountain West Media Days. The Rams head coach doesn’t seem to think about it too much, but it’s also quite clear that Norvell and Sanders aren’t spending any off-field time together.
“I don’t have any feelings for Deion Sanders, I really don’t,” Norvell said, per the Denver Gazette. “I don’t think about Deion Sanders unless you guys ask me a question about him. No, nothing’s changed.”
Coach Prime and the Buffs will make their return trip to Fort Collins to take on the Rams in Week 3 of the 2024 season. As of now, Colorado is favored by 7.5 points on the road.
