"Did less than I would've": Joel Klatt passionately defends Shedeur Sanders after Colorado QB pushed referee during game against Kansas

Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt came out in defense of Shedeur Sanders after the Colorado quarterback was in the news for pushing a referee in the Buffs' 37-21 loss against Kansas on Saturday. During an appearance on Jason Whitlock's "Fearless" podcast on Tuesday, Klatt outlined that the referees failed to protect Shedeur from Kansas' "cheap" tactics, which then angered the quarterback:

"He [Shedeur] did less than I would have in the exact same instance. Kansas was cheap. The cheap shot that they took at his legs was one of the most egregious cheap shots I've seen on the field in a long time."

Cameras showed Sanders pushing an official in the second half of Colorado's matchup against Kansas, following a heated altercation with a few Jayhawks defenders.

Sanders was not penalized by the officials for his actions. On Monday, it was reported that the Colorado quarterback would not face any suspension either for the incident.

On Tuesday, it was announced that Sanders, along with Miami's Cam Ward and Oregon's Dillon Gabriel, were the three finalists to win the Davey O'Brien Award.

Shedeur Sanders still has a chance of winning the Heisman Trophy this season

Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders - Source: Imagn

Although No. 23 Colorado (8-3, 6-2 Big 12) has dropped out of the College Football Playoff race, Shedeur Sanders is still in contention to win the Heisman Trophy.

Sanders has 303 of 413 passes for 3,488 yards and thrown 30 touchdowns, with seven interceptions across 11 games this season. He has also rushed for four touchdowns on 81 carries.

Many reports also suggest that Sanders' Colorado teammate Travis Hunter is leading the race to win the Heisman. The two-way star's ability has been a key factor in propelling him to the forefront of the coveted college football honor.

Colorado will face Oklahoma State in its final regular-season game on Friday. Since the Heisman race is likely to go down to the wire, it will be interesting to see how Sanders and Hunter perform against the Cowboys.