Deion Sanders' projected 'Leaders and Dawgs' from Colorado's win over Nebraska

No. 22 Colorado came into the "Red Letter" rivalry matchup needing to send a message to Nebraska. It was "personal" for Deion Sanders and the Buffs after Matt Rhule paraded the Huskers onto the field in pregame warm-ups. It wasn't going to end well at all.

Colorado moved to 2-0 on the season with a 36-14 win over Nebraska. Here are the projected 'Leaders and Dawgs' from Saturday's victory.

Leaders

Shedeur Sanders

We may not call him "captain" but, there’s doubt about who’s leading the way. He didn’t have as much help keeping him upright on Saturday but, his improvisational abilities combined with a strong arm always kept the Buffs in control of the game.

Sanders may have taken a few sacks he’d like to have back, but it’s the ability to create opportunities where seemingly none exist that makes Prime's son one of the most electrifying players in college football.

Jordan Domineck

This one is "Personal" with Domineck as a co-host on BuffsBeat Weekly. If you’re lined up against #44, you have a problem. A big problem. Domineck is a relentless pass rusher. He also inspires others to meet his energy level. On defense, the stat sheet doesn’t always tell the full story, but with Jordan, it’s certainly telling a compelling one.

Xavier Weaver

Coach Prime has said that he doesn’t need to sell the program, it sells itself. When Weaver departed Tampa for Boulder, there were no guarantees on playing time or anything else. This is someone who bet on himself and is making the most of it.

Taijh Alston

Another under-the-radar graduate transfer who has fully embraced a leadership role. Much like Weaver and Domineck, it’s hard to imagine 2-0 without his presence.

Dawgs

Tar’Varish Dawson

Tar’Varish, aka 'Chick,' epitomized the "Dawg" moniker with his clutch performance when it was desperately needed. Though this game ended as a blowout, it certainly was not that way for almost three quarters. 'Chick' made play after play when called upon. He did the dirty work and lifted the offense in crucial moments.

Carter Stoutmire

It seems like whenever Carter is in the game, he’s creating headaches for offenses. I’m not sure anyone else has risen up the depth charts as quickly as Carter. Several of his big time tackles were critical to ending Nebraska drives.

Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig

With Myles Slusher ruled out, Cam’Ron had to pick up additional responsibilities. The results were seamless. Excellent in coverage and tackling technique. In all the best ways, he’s both a Leader and Dawg. CSC's contributions will be huge moving forward.

Marvin Ham II

Ham is a flat out tough. He’s always around the ball. Another big performance against Nebraska. He makes the big plays when they matter the most, and outside of Trevor Woods, one of the key factors after staying in Boulder.

Colorado welcomes Colorado State into Boulder for the latest edition of the Rocky Mountain Showdown on Saturday at 10 p.m. ET (TV:ESPN).