Colorado head coach Deion Sanders was not in the mood to celebrate a 31-point victory Saturday.
The Buffaloes moved to 2-0 with a 52-21 win over Weber State at Folsom Field. Still, Sanders arrived in the media room focused on the points Colorado left on the field, 13 penalties, special teams mistakes and an offensive performance he felt had another level available.
Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis threw for 366 yards and four touchdowns while accounting for five total scores, and running back Micah Welch became the first Buff to rush for 100 yards in a game since 2022. Sanders praised the playmakers who contributed, though the consistent message after the rout remained the same: make the Buffaloes a team capable of winning and dominating.
Here
is everything Sanders said following Colorado football's win over Weber State.
On Colorado's 52-point offensive output
"We only scored 52 points," Sanders said. "It should've been a lot more. We're not satisfied with the outcome."
Sanders said the lack of domination in the second half stemmed from a "lack of not being there before," explaining that Colorado's players at times eased off the gas after building a sizable lead.
Sanders said Colorado's players want to "kick butt" and show they can compete at a high level with consistency. He described the result as a performance containing too much "nonsense" across offense, defense and special teams.
"We didn't capitalize on offense. We only scored 52 points," Sanders continued. "There's no way we are satisfied with the outcome."
Colorado gained 578 yards and averaged 7.9 yards per play, yet the Buffs also lost two fumbles, missed a field goal after a bad snap, and had a 73-yard touchdown run by Titus Bautista wiped out by a holding penalty.
On Colorado's penalty issues
Sanders said Colorado's 13 penalties were unacceptable, especially for a program with larger goals.
"We can't win consistently with those types of penalties," Sanders said. "They don't make sense."
Colorado's penalties came at inconvenient times, including the holding call that erased Bautista's long touchdown run late in the fourth quarter. Sanders expressed clear frustration with that particular call, although his larger point focused on Colorado's inability to avoid preventable mistakes.
"We're trying to win a championship," Sanders said. "We're not just trying to win a game."
That standard shaped much of Sanders' postgame tone. Colorado won comfortably, but the coach was measuring the performance against the discipline and consistency he believes will be required later in the season.
"In my life, I'm a winner," Sanders said. "We’re trying to win a championship. We're not trying to win a game."
Coach Prime was not satisfied with Colorado’s offensive performance:
— DNVR Buffs (@DNVR_Buffs) September 12, 2026
“We only scored 52… Should’ve been a lot more.” pic.twitter.com/3S0HehQRxX
On Julian Lewis and the offense
Lewis completed 17 of 23 passes for 366 yards and four touchdowns, producing 212 passing yards in the first quarter to set a Colorado program record. He added a rushing touchdown before exiting midway through the third quarter.
Sanders said he was pleased with Lewis' performance, which came one week after Colorado's passing game struggled for much of the season-opening win at Georgia Tech.
Colorado opened the Weber State game with a 66-yard touchdown pass from Lewis to DeAndre Moore Jr., followed by a 63-yard touchdown throw to Joseph Williams. Lewis also connected with Ernest Campbell for a 48-yard score and ended the first half 15-for-18 for 331 yards and four touchdown passes.
Sanders said Colorado had open receivers that should have had more catches throughout the day, including Danny Scudero.
"Danny was open," Sanders said, noting that other players also had opportunities in the passing game. "The players are frustrated, too."
Brennan Marion's offensive system featured several deep completions and explosive plays, but Sanders said the standard inside the program remains higher than a 52-point total.
"Coach Marion said he's going to run them if they don't score 70," Sanders said.
On Micah Welch's milestone
Welch rushed 11 times for 106 yards and a touchdown, becoming Colorado's first 100-yard rusher since Alex Fontenot at USC in November 2022. It was the first 100-yard rushing performance of the Sanders era and snapped a 40-game streak without one.
Sanders reacted with surprise when told Welch had ended the drought.
"First 100-yard rusher? Dang. We were that bad?" Sanders said.
Welch broke free for a 55-yard touchdown on the first play of the second quarter and averaged 9.6 yards per carry against Weber State.
On Colorado's young players
Sanders spoke warmly about freshman quarterback Kaneal Sweetwyne, who entered after Lewis left the game and ran for a 9-yard touchdown, the first of his college career.
"I love that kid," Sanders said. "That kid has a tremendous future in front of him. You can ask anyone on the team."
Sanders said he wished more of Colorado's backups could have played, describing that as part of the team's goal whenever it can build a substantial lead.
"I wish they could have played more. That was our goal," Sanders said. "You should want your little brother to play. We try our best to kick butt to get everybody in."
Sanders also praised cornerback Jason Stokes Jr., who saw more extensive work after Colorado moved Boo Carter inside to nickel during the second half.
"He was ready," Sanders said. "He didn’t back down. He understood down and distance, situational type of football."
"He did a great job. He wasn't scared of the moment."
Sanders said Carter "shut things down" after moving inside, an adjustment Colorado made after Weber State found success in the passing game.
On Jah Jah Boyd and Colorado's defense
Jah Jah Boyd led Colorado with eight tackles, including five solo stops, and forced a fumble. Sanders praised Boyd's effort and the energy he brings to the field.
"He’s the kind of kid who plays with passion," Sanders said. "You can count on him to give everything he has."
"I don't want him to change a thing."
Colorado's defense also got an interception from Randon Fontenette, the first of his Colorado career, while Lamont Lester Jr. added a sack to bring his season total to four.
On Colorado's playmakers and fans
Sanders highlighted the speed Campbell showed on his 48-yard touchdown reception.
"Ernest got it," Sanders said. "He got some gas. We know that. We got so many guys; we got to get it to them. We try to keep the whole house happy."
He credited Marion for finding ways to distribute touches among Colorado's offensive weapons.
"Brennan does a great job trying to get those guys touches," Sanders said.
Sanders also had praise for Moore, who finished with four catches for 107 yards and a touchdown.
"DeAndre is a great kid and loves to go to practice," Sanders said. "Love that kid."
Colorado announced an attendance of 49,363, its second-largest home crowd ever for an FCS opponent. Sanders thanked the fan base for showing up after a difficult 2025 season.
"We have the best fans in the country," Sanders said. "We got our butts kicked last year, and they showed up and showed out."
"Our fans are radical," Sanders added. "They're not shying away from any smoke."
Colorado football will hit the road next Saturday for a nonconference matchup at Northwestern, where the Buffs will have another opportunity to build on their 2-0 start before opening Big 12 play at Baylor on Sept. 26.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Everything Deion Sanders said after Colorado's rout over Weber State
