Gus Johnson: Deion Sanders has 'turned Boulder on top of its head'

There’s no shortage of opinions on Deion Sanders. Nonetheless, during Thursday’s “On Texas Football” episode, Fox Sports’ lead play-by-play commentator Gus Johnson provided perhaps the most in-depth analysis of the Colorado coach’s effect yet.

“What Deion has done is nothing short of amazing, especially if you look at the ratings,” Johnson told Inside Texas’ Bobby Burton and Ray Peters. “I remember we did his first game. I think it was 7 million [views]. The next game was 9 million. The following game, Colorado State, was about 10. And last week with Oregon, I think it was 11. So he brought $18 million into Boulder over one weekend.”

All eyes have been on Colorado. From jaw-dropping highlights to flashy apparel, Sanders has transformed the program into a Mecca of college football. Accordingly, the program has become a place of pilgrimage.

Celebrities such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Lil Wayne, Kawhi Leonard and Offset flew in to witness Colorado’s double-overtime triumph over Colorado State in Week 3. The nail-biting battle drew in a season-high 9.3 million viewers, despite starting at 10 p.m. ET and ending after 2 a.m.

More than a media bump

Johnson believes the television ratings just scratch the surface of how Sanders is changing the game.

“It’s just phenomenal what he’s doing. He’s really breathing fresh life into college football,” Johnson said. “With his style and swagger and his ability to get these young men to buy in. He’s already ahead of schedule. These guys only won one game last year.”

“They won three now. I know they lost to Oregon last week pretty badly in Eugene, but he’s ahead of schedule and he’s doing it with an energy and enthusiasm and a confidence that he’s trying to instill in his players.”

Deion Sanders changes the culture

Colorado certainly doesn’t lack confidence. In a video released by Oregon earlier this week, fans saw Shilo Sanders talk trash to Oregon players before the game. Although the outcome wasn’t what Buffaloes fans hoped for, the mindset is representative of Coach Prime’s influence.

“Boulder has just been turned on top of his head,” Johnson said. “They’re so happy that their team is playing well and has an opportunity, and that’s all because of Coach Prime.”

After falling to Oregon last week, Sanders and Co. will look to bounce back this weekend. Yet, their opponent won’t be any easier. On Saturday, the Buffaloes will go toe-to-toe with No. 8 USC at noon ET. The game will be broadcast on FOX.