Shilo Sanders Jr. was looking to get a free lick on his opponent in Thursday night’s 31-26 win against North Dakota State.
On a crucial 3rd-and-6 play with North Dakota State leading, 17-14, and in the red zone during the second quarter, the safety and son of coach Deion Sanders ran through receiver Tyler Terhark, who had no chance at catching an incomplete pass.
Sanders was flagged for a personal foul that moved the ball from the 14-yard line to the seven-yard line.
“Yeah, I think that’s a good call,” ESPN rules analyst Matt Austin said on the broadcast. “The defender, he definitely could’ve avoided that severe of a contract. If he just would’ve gone in letting up and knocked him to the ground, it wouldn’t have been a big deal, but he looked like he accelerated and tried to leave a message, so I think it’s a good call.”
If it was an attempt to send a message, Deion certainly didn’t approve, reacting very strongly to his son’s mistake, throwing his hands up with his palms facing the sky in disbelief.
The Bison ultimately settled for a field goal, giving them a 20-14 lead that eventually turned into a 20-17 halftime advantage.
Fans were furious with the play, among other things, because Shilo appeared to be delivering a few late hits on the sidelines as plays ended.
Shilo was also seen shoving receiver Braylon Henderson well out of bounds on a long gain and gave him another extra shove into the water cooler.
“Shilo Sanders may be the DIRTIEST player in college football,” popular X account @NFLRookieWatxh posted. “NOT the greatest look for the Buffs.”
The boneheaded decisions from Shilo could affect the 24-year-old’s NFL draft status.
NFL_DF, an account that tracks draft status for college football players, called him an undisciplined player who will be an undrafted free agent when he goes to the league.
“I see a lot of people with a top 100 grade on Shilo Sanders, but this is a reason why I’ve graded him as a UDFA. He’s not talented enough to make up for moronic plays like this. Undisciplined player,” the account posted.
Colorado does have NFL talent on its roster, with two-way star Travis Hunter and Shilo’s brother and quarterback Shedeur Sanders, among others.
Both showed up against North Dakota State, but the team barely snuck by the FCS squad to start the season with a win.