Deion Sanders can't escape growing criticism before facing No. 11 Utah

The outside noise is starting to get louder. For the first time in Deion Sanders’ Colorado tenure, supporters are becoming detractors. Coach Prime apologists are beginning to turn on the program. Colorado’s usual media playbook is not garnering the results it once did.

Usually, Sanders can lean on his coordinators, players and even an ‘associate’. In the cases when a national outlet ran a less than flattering story or a game result was bad, other able lieutenants would take to social media and spin that narrative differently. Due to a large non-Colorado-specific fanbase, massaging the narrative would work to some degree.

The army of keyboard warriors and vocal supporters are not coming to their defense as much as they used to. The 4-8 and 3-9 records were easier to withstand if there was a massive backing of the coach and his team. For the first time in four years, the program doesn’t have that complete support any longer.

CU alumni and former NFL standout Tyler Polumbus, who has been quiet, recently spoke out via X. “Yea, I am over the absurdly defensive responses coming out of Boulder right now. This question was asked in a complimentary way and the response was, “I will try to answer the question without being an a—hole.”

Uncle Neely, a person who can only be defined as a Sanders’ associate, often takes to his Morning Run podcast to massage or even counter narratives. For a while, that worked and fans bought it. That ship seems to have sailed. One former CU alum posted a clip of Neely talking and called it “18 minutes explaining why the previous 20 years of Colorado football are responsible for Sanders’ failures in Year 4.”

CU offensive coordinator Brennan Marion was asked about feeding the running backs and his answer was almost defensive.

“I don’t know why I’m being asked run game questions when we’ve run the ball for a lot of yards my whole career,” Marion said.

The issue with that is they ran the ball very well against Georgia Tech and have failed to be consistent since. An area that could be a strength is treated in playcalling as if it is not.

Some media personalities once described by Coach Prime fans as haters have begun to double down on their perspective. Gaining support as they ramp up commentary. Former CU offensive lineman Matt McChesney has consistently questioned the program, especially this season. He increased his takes on the viability of the current CU staff.

Maybe Sanders’ biggest detractor, Jason Whitlock, has even resurfaced more than expected. He has brought on guests with previous experience, with Sanders sharing their specific experience with the coach.

Colorado needs something positive to happen and soon. However, there won't be many things to be upbeat about with No. 11 Utah coming to Boulder. The Utes operate a top 10 offense and are expected to run all over the Buffs on Saturday night (10:15 p.m. ET., ESPN).