Colorado State continued to stoke the rivalry with Colorado on Saturday night. The Rams punctuated two of their early touchdowns by mocking iconic celebrations that Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders made famous during his playing career. The first came when Colorado State safety Ron Hardge III took a high step into the end zone while also returning a fumble 45 yards for a touchdown to give the Rams a 14-7 lead.
The high step was one of Sanders’ signature celebrations during his NFL days, as he performed the maneuver in his big moments, such as interception returns.
The next Sanders impersonation came from wide receiver Louis Brown IV, who channeled the famous “prime time” dance that Sanders popularized while electrifying the NFL as a defensive back and returner from the late 1980s to early 2000s. Brown’s dance attempt came after a 15-yard touchdown reception that gave CSU a 21-14 lead late in the first half.
Sanders’ imitations are just the latest shots between the two teams. Colorado State coach Jay Norvell threw shade at Sanders earlier this week when he said, “When I talk to adults, I take off my hat and my glasses.” Those comments prompted Sanders to say Colorado State had it “made personal.”
Ultimately, Sanders took advantage of Norvell’s stab at a marketing opportunity and a means to cheer on his team by handing out sunglasses to his players. Unsurprisingly, tensions rose in the first half of the game. Colorado State was penalized 11 times for 133 yards, including multiple whistles for unsportsmanlike conduct or unnecessary roughness.