BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado coach Deion Sanders went with experience over youth at quarterback in choosing Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter to start the season opener.

Salter will take over the offense for Shedeur Sanders when the Buffaloes kick off the season Friday night at home against Georgia Tech. Salter emerged with the job after a close race with teenage freshman and five-star recruit Julian “JuJu” Lewis. They're different styles of quarterbacks, with Salter more of a dual threat and Lewis a pocket passer.

Deion Sanders explained Tuesday that with Salter, “this is not his first time running out of the tunnel and getting the start. He’s done it before, and his experience is vital." Sanders added that he hopes to work Lewis, who doesn't turn 18 until next month, into the game as well.

“Feeling darn good about them. We've got two guys that are capable of getting the job done,” Sanders said.

It's going to be a different look on offense with Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter now in the NFL. Sanders, who set numerous single-season team records last season, was drafted by the Cleveland Browns.

Salter made big plays with his arm and his running ability while at Liberty. He was responsible for 66 touchdowns over the past two seasons — 47 passing and 19 rushing. In 2023, Salter helped lead Liberty to a 13-1 record. The Flames' only loss was to Oregon in the Fiesta Bowl. His teammates went to the Bahamas Bowl last season but he skipped it to enter the transfer portal and end up in Boulder.

“The kid wants to win. He wants this opportunity. He wants to shine on this stage,” Deion Sanders said. “This is the largest stage that he’s ever been on, and I don’t think he’s going to faint in regards to the light that shines upon him. I think he wants that smoke. He wants that heat.”

Lewis has a quick release and poise in the pocket. He spent three seasons at Carrollton High School in Georgia, throwing for 11,010 yards. He arrived on campus after his high school season to get a jump-start on learning the offense.

Sanders said he didn't really need to say anything to Lewis because his young QB realizes his value. He constantly is working with offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur and mentor Byron Leftwich to sharpen his game.

“He knows how we see him, and he knows what we expect of him,” Sanders said. “Our kids know me, man, so we don’t have to have those in-depth conversations."

Honoring McCartney

For the opener against Georgia Tech, the Buffaloes will wear black jersey, gold pants, white socks, black shoes and gold helmets. That combination is in honor of Bill McCartney, who died last January at 84. McCartney coached the Buffaloes to their lone national title in 1990. The Buffaloes were co-champs that season with Georgia Tech.

The players plan on wearing a patch on their uniforms to honor the longtime coach.

Artificial turf

Sanders believes the switch from natural grass at Folsom Field to artificial turf this season will be a big benefit, especially in night games.

“It's a dew or a mist ... that is on the field and it's a lot of slipping going on. We tried to get away from that,” Sanders said. “Our teams are consistently fast football teams. Our kids can run. We want to eliminate any slippage or anything that may cause us misfortune throughout the game.”

Shilo's future

Sanders said he's praying that his son Shilo gets another opportunity in the NFL. The undrafted safety was released by Tampa Bay Buccaneers a day after he was ejected from a preseason game for throwing a punch.

“I prepared my kids for any and everything that could possibly happen in life and in sports,” Deion Sanders said. "That’s part of fathering, that’s part of parenting, that’s part of having a relationship. He is mentally where he needs to be. Physically, where he needs to be.

“He’s going to be straight. All the Sanders are going to be straight — with or without football. You better believe that. You better believe that. I take care of mine, and I always have, and you all know what I mean. You better believe that.”

Home on the ranch: Colorado's live mascot Ralphie VI retires from field, replacement in training

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Deion Sanders saw a valuable performer for the Colorado Buffaloes retire Tuesday — live mascot Ralphie VI.

The 5-year-old buffalo nicknamed Ember is staying home on the ranch this season rather than running the field. The decision was made in the best interest of Ember, who at times showed a reluctance to make the traditional romp around Folsom Field while leading the team. Colorado already has started training her replacement — Ralphie VII — but she’s not quite ready to run.

For the time being, the Buffaloes will take the field without their mascot. Sanders and the team open the season Friday night by hosting Georgia Tech.

Colorado's live buffalo mascot taking the field with the team is one of college football's most iconic traditions. It's been a staple at the school for the past 58 years.

The plan for Ember will be to join Ralphie V — nicknamed “Blackout” — on the ranch and doing what she loves most: taking it easy. Ember made her debut for the Buffaloes in September 2021, when she was just over 15 months old and only 500 pounds.

In a news release announcing her retirement, the school wrote, “due to an indifference to running, typical of many mammals both four-legged and two-legged, it was determined that it was in Ember’s best interest, based on her disposition, to focus on relaxing strolls on the pasture, which is her favorite hobby.”

Added Taylor Stratton, the director of the Ralphie Live Mascot Program: “She will continue to get the same top level of love and care that all of our Ralphies receive.”

The Buffaloes have long had a live mascot on their sideline, with the inaugural one named Mr. Chips. The first Ralphie was donated in 1966 and made her debut during a 10-0 win over Kansas State.

She was an instant hit.

The fans broke into a bleacher-shaking “Buffalo Stomp” after she made her pass. School officials stopped the tradition because the students were causing too much damage to the wooden bleachers. It wasn't long after that that then-football coach Eddie Crowder was presented with the idea of the team running out behind Ralphie.

That tradition officially took hold on Sept. 16, 1967.