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The Deion Sanders experiment at Colorado is once again under fire, and one of his fiercest critics isn't holding back. Long-time ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum has never shied away from criticizing Sanders, and after Colorado's disappointing performance over the weekend, the gloves are off.
After a shocking loss to Nebraska on Saturday, Finebaum zeroed in on the glaring problems that Sanders' "flashy" coaching style seems to cover up. This is a stark contrast from last season when Colorado defeated the Cornhuskers by a wide margin. However, the 2024 campaign has not been as kind to Sanders and his team.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who lit up the field last week, found himself suffocated by Nebraska's aggressive defense. Completing 23-of-38 passes for just 244 yards, a single touchdown, and a costly pick-six, Sanders struggled to find his rhythm. Even star two-way player Travis Hunter, who racked up 110 receiving yards, couldn't save the Buffaloes from their offensive struggles.
While the individual talents of players like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter are undeniable, Finebaum's harsh critique goes deeper than just the stats on paper.
Finebaum, never one to mince words, laid into Sanders on national television, accusing the coach of relying too much on flash rather than focusing on the real issues. "Deion Sanders is all Hollywood. He's got two or three top-tier players, but beyond that, there's nothing but a revolving door on the line of scrimmage," Finebaum said, criticizing the lack of cohesion on the team.
The Buffaloes' offensive line has been a significant problem. Allowing six sacks and 10 tackles for loss against Nebraska only highlighted a weakness that carried over from last year, where Colorado ranked among the worst in the country in sacks allowed.
The transfer portal gamble backfires
Much of the instability on the roster is being blamed on Sanders' heavy reliance on the transfer portal. With 43 new players joining the squad this offseason, the Buffaloes have struggled to build chemistry, especially on the offensive line. Development issues seem to persist, and Finebaum believes Sanders' star power is masking deeper problems.
While Sanders' coaching style has garnered plenty of attention, including from some high-profile supporters, Finebaum remains skeptical. "Take away the hype and the followers, and what do you really have?" he asked.
With a 1-1 record, Colorado faces an uphill battle if it doesn't address its glaring weaknesses. Their next test comes on the road against in-state rival Colorado State, a team they narrowly defeated in overtime last season. With kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, the pressure is mounting for Sanders to make significant adjustments.
As the season progresses, the spotlight will remain firmly on Deion Sanders. But as Finebaum suggests, the Buffaloes' success may depend more on substance than showmanship.