While the NCAA appears to have its reasons for keeping Colorado and Syracuse from having a joint spring experience, fans are the ones who probably miss out the most. With the decision made, Colorado is expected to hold its spring game on April 19 after the Orange hold theirs on April 12.

The NCAA's FBS oversight committee on Friday denied a waiver request, filed last week by Colorado and Syracuse's football programs, that proposed a joint 11-on-11 spring scrimmage game, according to Chris Vannini of The Athletic.

The Buffaloes have employed a number of former big-league standouts to coaching positions, from Sanders himself to Hall of Famers Warren Sapp and Marshall Faulk. They've also developed NFL talents of the future, including defending Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and likely first-round pick Shedeur Sanders.