"Hopefully they can protect him": When Coach Prime's daughter Deiondra Sanders prayed for Shedeur Sanders after reading a shocking stat 

Shedeur Sanders faced a host of challenges in his first season at Colorado. The Jackson State transfer had significant issues in the backfield having to play behind a weak offensive line. However, the quarterback still put out impressive numbers for the Buffaloes.

Ahead of Colorado’s final home game of the 2023 season against Arizona in November, his sister Deiondra made a video talking about the game. She hoped Shedeur Sanders would get better protection by the offensive in the matchup having read a shocking stat online.

“Hopefully, they're able to block for my brother today,” Deiondra said. “I read something online that said he's the No. 1 sacked quarterback in college right now, which is terrible. Hopefully, they can protect him. Let us get it right, let us get it right, let us bring home this win. And yeah, enjoy the day” (0:05)

Per USA Today, Sheduer Sanders was sacked 52 times in the 2023 season, the most in major college football.

How Shedeur Sanders and Colorado fared in the game

It was a tough loss for Colorado in the game against Arizona on Nov. 11, 2023. The Wildcats scored a last-second field goal to win the matchup 34-31. It marked another disappointing loss for the Buffaloes in Deion Sanders' first season in charge of the program.

“We could have won the darn game,” said Deion Sanders after the game in Boulder. “I like that we should have won. I’m tired of ‘we could’ve won.’ There isn’t any loss in me. It doesn’t sit well with me. It doesn’t rock well with me. It doesn’t lay down with me. I have no loss in me.”

Shedeur Sanders completed 22-of-35 passes for 262 yards and two touchdowns in the encounter. He also led the Buffaloes in rushing, recording 29 yards and one touchdown in 13 carries. He was, however, sacked three times in the encounter.

Shedeur Sanders received the Buffalo Heart Award after the game

Following the game at Folsom Field, Shedeur Sanders was honored with the 26th annual "Buffalo Heart Award." This award is presented to the Colorado player who best exemplifies heart, determination, desire and grit. He dropped a heartfelt message after receiving it.

“Ain’t got to ever worry about me letting them down,” Sanders said per BuffZone. “I’m always there to the end. It means a lot that they understand what I’m going through day to day, what I’m pushing through mentally, physically and emotionally. So I’m just very proud they’re able to see that too.”

The accolade, established by Colorado Football fans in 1998, recognizes players who demonstrate exceptional resilience and toughness. It was a reward for Shedeur’s resilience in the backfield despite the amount of challenges he encountered during the season.