Deion Sanders explains Colorado’s special teams blunder vs. Texas Tech

Colorado coach Deion Sanders said a communication issue caused the special-teams error that left the Buffaloes with eight players on the field during Texas Tech's field-goal attempt on Oct. 3.

Colorado called a timeout after noticing it had only eight players lined up to block the field goal. The Buffaloes then returned with nine players on the field. Texas Tech kicker Stone Harrington then nailed the 52-yard field goal, cutting Colorado's lead to 7-3.

Sanders addressed the sequence during his weekly press conference Tuesday morning.

Sanders explains the special teams error

"There was a miscommunication of someone thinking I'm saying, 'Let's go block it' and 'let's go block it,’" Sanders said. "Because that could be the punt block, that could be the field goal block. I’ll take that."

Sanders said two players went to the bench after not hearing the call.

"Two guys went and sat down on the bench that didn't hear the call," Sanders said. "It didn't hurt anything, I don't believe."

Coach Prime was asked about what happened on this play

Says there was a miscommunication on whether he was calling for the FG block team or punt block team. https://t.co/hbyz2wMHg3pic.twitter.com/Yx5vqF2ruK

— DNVR Buffs (@DNVR_Buffs) October 13, 2026

Special teams remain an issue

Missed personnel contributed to an abysmal special teams performance in Colorado's 29-7 loss. Elliott Arnold missed field goals from 29 and 52 yards, and Colorado's fake punt attempt from its own 46-yard line failed miserably.

Colorado also allowed a punt to roll to its own 2-yard line late in the fourth quarter. On the next snap, Isaac Wilson threw an embarrassing interception that returned for a touchdown, extending Texas Tech's lead to 22-7 and effectively icing the game.

After the loss, Sanders said Colorado would make personnel changes on special teams. His comments on Tuesday suggested those personnel changes were made during the bye week, when situational football and special teams were emphasized. The Buffaloes host No. 11 Utah on Saturday at Folsom Field.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Deion Sanders explains Colorado’s special teams blunder vs. Texas Tech