For all those who gave Shedeur Sanders a side eye, where are you at? The Buffs QB is rising from the ashes much like a phoenix. From getting tagged as the most sacked player last season, Shedeur Sanders is gaining accolades for all the right reasons this season. This time the Buffs QB’s arm talent helped to reel in a big recognition.

That’s a great pump indeed when the Kanas State is providing a litmus test for Deion Sanders’ army. The October 12 match is going to be an indeed special one for the Buffs. After all, a CFB analyst believes that it would hand them the ticket to the Big 12 title. 

Just as Shedeur reeled in the national hate last season, it’s time for Deion’s son to garner national attention. Monday, October 7 has been Shedeur’s day. The Buffs QB got another award ticked off his bucket list as he landed on the prestigious Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Top 25 list. Like every year, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation alongside presenting partner, A. O. Smith has been on the hunt for the 2024 coveted Golden Arm award that spans across 10 conferences.

But what makes Shedeur find himself a spot in the list that annually recognizes the top senior or upperclassman quarterback who is set to graduate with their class? The Buffs signal-caller’s arm strength has been exceptional. He is the main man behind generating easy velocity and comes off with flying colors when it’s about having a degree of off-platform freedom. 

Earlier, NFL Insider Jordan Schultz too poured in his support for Shedeur, “Shedeur’s special man. I don’t think he gets enough credit for how natural a thrower he is and how strong his arm is.” This might be an advantage for the QB who is now sharing the list with Miami’s Cam Ward, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, Texas’ Quinn Ewers, and Georgia’s Carson Beck. Now that they have got the Big face-off looming around, this might work as magic too to boost the Buffs’ performance.

Can the Shedeur Sanders factor help Colorado land it big in the Big 12

Right at the moment, Deion’s army is enjoying a bye-week coming off a 4-1 overall. But their rest period is going to end soon as something important is lined up for October 12, Saturday. If Shedeur and co. had been looking for sources to sip in some motivational juice, CFB analyst Brandon Marcello dropped in to provide some. “If they win, they are going to be a contender,” the CBS reporter came with a bold claim.

And Marcello is very confident that Colorado will be able to ace it as he firmly believes, “That’s a winnable game.” Not just the CBS analyst, Paul Finebaum too dropped in with his firm belief, “I am ‘Paul In’ and for the first time since Prime got there two years ago, I think this is a legitimate football team.” Does this mean, the same Shedeur who got snubbed by Paul Finebaum is the same player that the critic is pinning his hopes on for Colorado to beat Kansas State?

Well, this Saturday will be his ultimate test. Before that, the Kansas State HC Chris Klieman too dropped in the Buffs QB’s name, “I think they’re really balanced, honestly. They’ve rushed the football well, too. Shedeur (Sanders) throws it to the guy that’s open, reads coverage and knows where he’s going with the football.” It’s now to be seen if the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Top 25 list nominee can launch themselves into that tier of certified conference title contenders.

Meanwhile, apart from the pre-game scoops you might also check out other areas like NIL and NFL in the latest episode of the Think Tank podcast.