Known for being witty and hard driving, Sanders used the single-wing formation at Vanderbilt and UCLA. He was the originator of the squib kick and the 4-4 defense. He is widely credited with coining the saying, "Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing". When asked about the UCLA–USC rivalry, Sanders said "it's not a matter of life and death, it's more important than that!" He was the first "Wizard of Westwood" before that title was attributed to UCLA Basketball coach John Wooden.