BOULDER — No shock: Deion Sanders is prepared for whatever his latest opponent is about to throw at him.
When the former NFL cornerback and second-year CU football coach was asked about his 21st-ranked Buffs’ visit to Texas Tech on Saturday in what could be a Big 12 Championship elimination game for both teams, the conversation suddenly shifted to a Lubbock tradition.
“I heard they throw tacos …” Coach Prime said to the media in attendance.
“Tortillas,” reporters clarified.
A pause.
“Is that legal to throw tortillas?” Sanders asked.
And cue the laughter.
Not only is it legal — it’s expected. Tech fans have been tossing tortillas at sporting events since at least 1989, although the practice is neither encouraged, nor endorsed, by Texas Tech.
“We’re going to try to make them empty those things,” Sanders continued with a grin. “We’re going to try to make them empty them.”
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Regardless, Coach Prime anticipates a sunnier time before Saturday’s game than whatever transpires after kickoff. It’s a reunion weekend for Sanders, who considers Tech coach Joey McGuire a friend and confidante. The Raiders boss coached high-school ball in Texas for several decades before moving to the college ranks and even coached Deion Sanders Jr. at Cedar Hill (Texas) High School.
“He was dominant, won state titles, well-respected in the community, well-respected among his peers. He was always upstanding and forthright,” Coach Prime said.
“… And I consider him a true friend and someone I could call and lean on to understand how this college thing works at some time. Because I’m still new to this, although I’m true to this — I still need him and various coaches at times to lean on. But I’m sure he’s going to have those young men ready and I can’t wait to see him and hug his neck.”
Lineup and injury updates: Isaiah Augustave will likely again start at running back, Sanders said, but added he intends to share carries across the position group … DE Dayon Hayes is “not playing … he’s not playing,” Sanders said, but didn’t specify if that meant any time beyond this weekend … Defensive lineman Shane Cokes is “doing OK,” Coach Prime said, adding “it’s still up in the air whether he contributes or not,” while graduate transfer d-lineman Taurean Carter II is “done for the year.”
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