In a recent segment on “First Take,” ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith expressed doubts about Shedeur Sanders chances of entering the Heisman Trophy conversation despite the Colorado quarterback’s impressive season. Smith’s reservations stem from Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes’ recent loss to the Oregon Ducks in a nationally televised game.
Smith, while acknowledging his admiration for Sanders’ skills and performance this season, questioned whether Sanders could bounce back from the devastating defeat at the hands of Oregon, a top-10 team. The lopsided nature of the loss, in Smith’s view, makes it challenging for Sanders to erase the damage and reposition himself as a Heisman front-runner.
“The kid is spectacular. I love his game, I love the whole bit,” Smith began, emphasizing his respect for Sanders’ abilities. When you get blown out on national television by a top-10 team like Oregon, it’s a tough hill to climb. Especially when you have someone like Bo Nix performing exceptionally well and earning the spotlight. Overcoming such a dominant and one-sided loss is no easy feat, and I don’t know how Shedeur Sanders can do it to reenter the Heisman equation.”:Said Smith
.@stephenasmith does NOT think Shedeur Sanders can return as a Heisman front-runner with a big game 👀
"I love his game, I love the whole bit. But when you get blown out on national television by a top-10 team like Oregon … I don't know how Shedeur Sanders overcomes that." pic.twitter.com/zABDiyv30N
— First Take (@FirstTake) September 29, 2023
Sanders’ statistical performance this season has been noteworthy, amassing 1,410 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and just one interception. However, the game against Oregon saw him throw for a mere 159 yards, further highlighting the challenges he faces in regaining his Heisman frontrunner status.
Smith’s commentary on Sanders reflects the nature of Heisman Trophy contention, where both individual performance and team success play critical roles. While Sanders may have the skills and potential to be a Heisman candidate, the shadow of a significant loss can be difficult to overcome, as Stephen A. Smith pointed out during his segment on “First Take.” Whether Sanders can defy the odds and reposition himself in the Heisman conversation remains to be seen, making his future performances a subject of keen interest for college football enthusiasts.
