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Considering that Shedeur Sanders is one of the most accurate passers in the country and one that is usually adept at avoiding mistakes, last Saturday was a bit of a surprise.
CU’s star quarterback threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another score to lead the Buffaloes to a 34-7 rout of Arizona in Tucson, Ariz. But, he also uncharacteristically threw two interceptions – for the first time in more than two years – and finished his day with four straight incompletions.
Fortunately for Sanders and the Buffs, the mistakes weren’t costly in an easy win, but he said after the game he’ll work on fixing those issues before the Buffs (5-2, 3-1 Big 12) host Cincinnati (5-2, 3-1) on Saturday at Folsom Field (8:15 p.m., ESPN).
“Overall right now, I’m just focused on the win,” he said. “We’re gonna clean those up, watch the film during the week and talk our way through everything; the why and get all that figured out.”
Head coach Deion Sanders said Shedeur didn’t protect the ball like usual, but isn’t worried.
“He’s better than that, and I know what he could possibly do,” Coach Prime said. “That’s not him.”
What Shedeur is this season is the one of the best quarterbacks in the country, as he ranks fourth nationally in completion percentage (72.2%), fifth in touchdown passes (19) and sixth in passing yards (2,268).
Cincinnati head coach Scott Satterfield expects to get the best of Shedeur on Saturday at Folsom Field.
“Their passing game is incredible and they’re hard to defend, hard to stop, and they’re hard to slow down,” Satterfield said to Cincinnati media this week. “He plays with such great confidence. I think that stands out. He’s got a lot of talent and ability, but he’s got a lot of confidence in what they’re trying to do offensively. Shedeur has probably had a football in his hand since he could walk. He’s very comfortable throwing the football.”
Satterfield said he’s not worried about the Bearcats playing at altitude this week. Cincinnati isn’t used to playing at high altitude, but did play at BYU in Provo, Utah, last year.
“I think our strength staff and our training staff do a great job throughout the week no matter where we’re playing of getting our guys ready to play,” Satterfield said. “We push hydration, we push sleep, we push getting extra work in the training room, and the weight room. All those things are what we’re focusing on, no matter where we’re playing or who we’re playing. … We’re not going to be focused on (altitude), we’re focused on our preparation and how we handle it week to week.”
Last week, freshman walk-on Cash Cleveland made his CU debut, playing 19 snaps at center late in the game. Coach Prime said Cleveland didn’t practice with the first or second team offense all week leading up to that game. Coach Prime said on his radio show Thursday that Cleveland has had reps with the first and second team units this week. … CU punter Mark Vassett and Cincinnati punter Mason Fletcher are friends who both grew up in Australia. They’ve also both been coached by Satterfield. Fletcher has been with Satterfield the past two seasons with the Bearcats, while Vassett played his first two college seasons playing for Satterfield at Louisville.
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