Deion Sanders Advocates for Colorado to Scrimmage Another Team in Spring Game, Syracuse's Fran Brown Responds
Colorado's coach proposes a new approach to spring games, igniting interest from Syracuse's head coach to participate.
On Monday, Colorado’s head coach Deion Sanders proposed the idea of scrimmaging another college football team as the Buffaloes prepare for their nationally televised spring game. Many major programs have opted to cancel spring games due to concerns over injuries and depth pieces being scouted for the transfer portal. Practicing against other live opponents is a model commonly found in the NFL during its preseason.
“To have a competitive [game] against your own guys gets kind of monotonous,” Sanders explained. “You really can’t tell the level of your guys because it’s the same old, same way … I would like to practice against someone for a few days, then have the spring game which I think the public will be tremendously satisfied with. It’s a tremendous idea. I’ve told those personnel who should understand that it’s a tremendous idea.”
In response, Syracuse coach Fran Brown quickly offered to travel to Boulder to both practice and play against Colorado in a competitive spring game.
In a quoted social media post, Brown expressed enthusiasm for the challenge and offered to spend three days in Boulder practicing. Sanders has yet to respond to the invitation but has referred to Brown as “my Dawg”.
Currently, NCAA rules prohibit teams from playing against another opponent in the spring.
While such a game would generate significant attention for Colorado, it would also be beneficial for Brown and the Orange. Syracuse gained recognition as one of the most improved teams in college football under Brown’s inaugural year, achieving 10 wins and a No. 21 ranking in the final College Football Playoff standings. This was only the second 10-win season in the past 20 years.
The Buffaloes also saw improvement, moving from a 1-11 record to 9-4 over two seasons. However, both Syracuse and Colorado are experiencing significant transitions. The Buffaloes lost Heisman winner Travis Hunter and star quarterback Shedeur Sanders to the NFL Draft, while Syracuse’s quarterback Kyle McCord who led the nation in passing yards also departed.
The Colorado spring game is set for April 19, leaving a tight window for both programs to coordinate with the NCAA for permission to hold the game.
