BOULDER | There was a different vibe when coach Deion Sanders came out to kick off his third season at the University of Colorado.

Ralphie wasn’t there to lead the team onto the field. Colorado’s live buffalo mascot was retired and her replacement is in training, putting on hold one of college football’s most iconic traditions.

And Colorado’s 27-20 loss to Georgia Tech on Friday night marked the first game Sanders had coached without his sons.

Shedeur Sanders is now a backup quarterback for the Cleveland Browns and Shilo Sanders is awaiting another opportunity in the NFL after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cut the rookie safety last week.

Sophomore wide receiver Isaiah Hardge realized the poignancy of the moment and approached Sanders as the team ran onto the field.

“He said, ‘Let’s take

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