The spotlight of the college football world is placed in an unfamiliar place this season. Boulder Colorado is the home of the Colorado Buffaloes. They’re led by “Coach Prime” Deion Sanders. And with the cache and talent that he and his staff bring, they also bring high expectations. The Buffaloes went a torrid 1-11 in their previous campaign. They currently have a 3-2 record under the direction of Sanders. And because of the confidence he instills in his team, they become a target. Many teams couldn’t wait for the Buffaloes to catch their first L.

As a casual viewer of college football, even I knew this would be the energy across campuses. But what we all should gather from this first loss is that it doesn’t define their season. When we take losses, they don’t define seasons in our lives either. You see, what Coach Prime brings with him to Colorado is a winning mentality. I know that he is setting high standards for his students. So that gives those players something to strive for under his tutelage. He wants these young men to hold themselves to higher standards. Part of that experience is learning to perform under less-than-ideal circumstances.

It’s realistic to think that these students might be discouraged because they lost in a blowout fashion. Their games are being broadcasted nationally, every week. But Sanders is training these guys to perform under the pressure of the bright lights and the eyes of the world. Now, I have no idea how they will play this weekend, but I highly doubt that they will endure the shellacking that they did recently.

I’m confident that they’ll approach the game differently and with a ton more attention to detail. We’re witnessing a college program begin to mature before our eyes. It’s a process and a great reminder for ourselves as well. We can extend ourselves grace and still demand better out of ourselves. I don’t think that has to be mutually exclusive. Your grace comes from understanding, and your progress will come from being more present and aware.

As we continue to watch the Buffaloes this season, let’s not think that they’re going to just run the table this season. But let’s fall in love with the journey. Let’s fall in love with their progress. And let’s enjoy seeing “Prime Time” in action again.