Colorado head coach Deion Sanders called Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker one of the country's best quarterbacks during Tuesday's news conference, identifying pressure as a priority for Saturday's game in Stillwater.

Mestemaker has completed 67% of his passes for 1,940 yards and 16 touchdowns, with six interceptions. The Cowboys enter at 4-2 overall and 2-1 in Big 12 play, while Colorado is 2-4 and 0-3.

"He's a phenomenal quarterback," Sanders said. "We got to get him off his spot and make him uncomfortable because if he sits back there, even on the boots, when he gets his feet set, he's extremely accurate."

Sanders emphasizes Mestemaker's passing

Mestemaker followed coach Eric Morris from North Texas to Oklahoma State and averages 323.3 passing yards per game. He threw for 365 yards and three touchdowns in Saturday's 35-32 loss at Houston, his fifth consecutive 300-yard performance.

"Knows his offense like the back of his hand, and he can get it done," Sanders said. "He's one of the best in the conference as well as in college football, to me."

Colorado must also account for his mobility

Mestemaker has rushed for 142 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries this season, including a 109-yard rushing performance in Oklahoma State's victory over Oregon.

Sanders said the quarterback's ability to escape pressure is another consideration for Colorado's defense.

"I don't know if we call this kid a running quarterback," Sanders said. "This kid, his best attribute is him throwing the football. He can run. He's shown the ability to run."

Mestemaker has been sacked five times through six games. Colorado will look to disrupt that protection Saturday when the teams meet at Boone Pickens Stadium.