Deion Sanders and Colorado look to settle 35 year-old debate

Deion Sanders and Colorado look to settle 35 year-old debate originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Thirty-five years after sharing a split national title, the Colorado Buffaloes and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will finally meet on the field. And Brent Key is coming to Boulder with something to prove.

In 1990, the Buffs took the AP National Championship. Georgia Tech claimed the UPI Coaches Poll. That split decision left two proud fanbases with unfinished business, and a legacy both programs still carry.

Now, on August 29, the two teams will meet under the lights at Folsom Field in a game that won’t rewrite history, but might just heal a scar.

Brent Key Isn’t Dodging the History

At ACC Media Days, Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key leaned into the moment.

“It’s an opportunity to settle the 1990 national championship,” Key said.

That statement, tossed out with a grin, wasn’t a joke. Key has done his homework, literally. He’s watched every game Deion Sanders has coached at Colorado. Twice. He’s studied transfers. He’s reviewed special teams tape. This isn’t just another opener.

“I’ve watched their last two years’ seasons… probably about three-quarters of the way through watching the film of where they’ve come from,” Key added.

He’s even joked about bringing Coach Prime’s rookie card to the sideline to get it autographed.

Folsom Field Will Be Packed and Personal

The game comes with emotional weight for the Buffaloes. It will be their first without former head coach Bill McCartney, who passed away earlier this year. McCartney led Colorado to its share of the 1990 title.

“That was a desire of mine,” said CU athletic director Rick George. “A game we could actually play 35 years after the co-national championship.”

It’s already a sellout. Both Colorado’s and Georgia Tech’s ticket allotments are gone. ESPN will air the opener in primetime on Friday night, giving fans across the country a chance to relive one of college football’s most debated seasons, now, with live action.

Related: Colorado Legend Travis Hunter Dealt Unfortunate News Before Training Camp

What This Means for Colorado Fans

For Buffs fans, this isn’t just about history. It’s about pride, identity, and proving that 1990 wasn’t a fluke. Georgia Tech is surging under Key, and Colorado enters the season without Shedeur Sanders or Travis Hunter. But expectations remain sky-high under Coach Prime.

Deion Sanders hasn’t said much about the 1990 angle yet, but you can bet he’ll have the Buffs fired up.

One thing’s for sure: Brent Key is already circling this one.

Related: Travis Hunter called best athlete since Deion Sanders

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.