Deion Sanders Replies to Kenan Thompson's 'SNL' Impression

There aren't many better ways to show the world that one has arrived as an essential aspect of the cultural zeitgeist than getting spoofed on NBC's venerable sketch show Saturday Night Live.

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders knows the value of attention better than most, which likely is why he enjoyed comedian Kenan Thompson's impression of him on the show's season premiere.

"I'm a fan of Kenan; let's get that straight. I love him," Sanders told reporters Tuesday during his weekly press conference. "I love what he's brought to comedy over, what, got to be over a couple decades, it seems as though. I had the pleasure and the honor to host Saturday Night Live before, and I will never forget those moments. But it was good."

During the impression, Thompson wore a Colorado hoodie, cap and sunglasses similar to Sanders' sideline attire. Thompson lampooned Sanders' bravado during the skit that aired on October 14, which added a layer to the comedy.

The "Weekend Update" segment with Colin Jost arrived a day after the Buffaloes lost 46-43 in overtime against Stanford. Colorado went into the locker room with a 29-0 advantage. Losing the game put the Buffaloes' record at 4-3 after starting the season 3-0.

"Wasn't that crazy?" Thompson said as the fictional Coach Prime, "Man, we went up 29 to nothing at the half, so I went home and fell asleep. I woke up this morning as shocked as anyone."

Another funny moment was Thompson making fun of Prime's press conference quotes.

"Colin, look at me, man. What about me makes you think that I care about what you think about me? You don't understand that my team has it all, man," Thompson said while playing Sanders. "Coaching? Genius. Offense? Explosive. Defense? Trying. It's a complete package, man."

Sanders took the jokes in stride, even after an embarrassing loss that jeopardized his team's bowl hopes. However, when asked who gave the best impression of him, Sanders didn't choose Thompson.

"I got to give it to Lou Young," Sanders said. "I hate to admit it, but Lou is good. Lou Young is really good."

Colorado was on a bye week after the loss against Stanford. This week, the Buffaloes travel west for a game against No. 23 UCLA. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday ET on ABC.

The Bruins, led by head coach Chip Kelly, are favored by 17 points against the Buffaloes, according to Tuesday's odds on BetMGM. The over/under is 63.5. Colorado is +575 on the money line and UCLA is -900. Believers in Coach Prime can win $675 on a $100 wager if the Buffs pull off an upset victory.