Nick Saban Issues Stark 'Kiss of Death' Warning to Deion Sanders, Colorado

Deion Sanders halted Colorado's practice this week, demanding a restart after being dissatisfied with the team's performance.

Legendary coach Nick Saban endorsed the tactic, particularly given Colorado's recent circumstances. The Buffaloes are fresh off a thrilling but fortunate victory over Baylor, where they forced overtime with a last-second Hail Mary . They clinched the win in extra time by forcing a crucial fumble at the goal line.

Saban admitted that while he's never had to restart an entire practice, he has restarted specific periods to shift his team's mindset.

"You’re trying to change the mindset of how everyone’s approaching preparation for the game," Saban said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Friday. "It’s the same thing I said before about the Coach Prime situation: play poorly and win, that’s like the kiss of death, because guys don’t always want to respond. They look at you like, ‘Hey coach, we won the game, why are you all upset and making us practice and all that?’ If you lose, they’re saying, ‘When are we going to practice?’ Not, ‘Why are we practicing?’"

Colorado needs to be locked in for its Week 5 matchup with UCF. Sanders' squad is a two-touchdown underdog for the matchup, per ESPN BET.

“There’s a big difference in mindset, but the really great competitors, they always keep that same mindset, because they want to be the best that they can be," Saban said. "So it’s not about just winning or losing — it’s about being the best they can be.”

The Knights are 3-0 this season and coming off a bye. UCF has wins over New Hampshire, Sam Houston and TCU on its resume.

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