Paul Finebaum’s latest comments have sparked renewed attention and controversy, particularly surrounding his critique of Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes. Known for his unfiltered opinions, the ESPN commentator recently stirred the pot by questioning what Colorado truly achieved beyond high viewership numbers in their game against North Dakota State. While appearing on The Matt Barrie Show, Finebaum maintained his stance, highlighting that Sanders’ popularity might overshadow his coaching accomplishments.

“What did Colorado really accomplish other than drawing a big audience for ESPN?” Finebaum asked the audience, casting doubt on Sanders’ impact as a head coach. He emphasized that Sanders, like other major sports personalities such as LeBron James and Aaron Rodgers, is more of a brand than just a coach. Finebaum’s criticisms reflect a larger question. Is Sanders more focused on his media presence than effectively managing his team?

One of Finebaum’s sharpest critics targeted Sanders’ game management, specifically during the closing moments of Colorado’s matchup. 

“What concerns me more than anything else was the way Deion coached the game down the stretch. Is he in control on the sidelines?” Finebaum questioned. 

Colorado has mistaken identity case with “The Governor” before Nebraska

He pointed to a crucial moment involving quarterback Shedeur Sanders, where the Buffaloes’ decision-making left them vulnerable. Finebaum noted that Sanders’ approach allowed the opposing team to nearly claw back into the game, highlighting flaws in game management and sideline control. Finebaum’s comments have not gone unnoticed, especially as Coach Prime’s persona continues to draw immense attention. 

While Sanders publicly addressed his son’s mistake, the underlying issue of his coaching effectiveness remains a point of debate. With Colorado’s next test against Nebraska this Saturday, all eyes will be on Sanders to see if he can provide the most fitting response. He can also shut Finebaum down with CU’s performance on the field.

Nebraska football’s 40-7 season-opening win last Saturday against UTEP proved to be a warm up of sorts for the Huskers. Fueled by freshman phenom Dylan Raiola’s 238 yards through the air, coupled by two touchdowns, Nebraska steamrolled its way to a win to open up the season for the first time since 2019. 

The Blackshirts were equally as impressive and installed confidence that last season’s resurgence under defensive coordinator Tony White – who was nearly plucked away for a head coaching opportunity – wasn’t a fluke. The Miners were held to a paltry 205 total yards including only 56 yards on the ground. Six of UTEP’s 11 drives resulted in gaining 10 yards or less. 

And that’s with the Blackshirts playing their base defense, choosing not to blitz as often as you would see Nebraska do last season. 

“Coach (Tony) White wanted to keep it simple for us,” Nebraska defensive linemen Ty Robinson said. “He knew with the 11 guys going out there we’d be okay and just play our base stuff. Just goes to show how true our depth really is and how far they’ve come with our red team going in here and then especially our white team. You didn’t really show a drop off, right? Mason Goldman got one of the only other sacks in the whole game. Just goes to show how much work we’ve been putting in over these past few months.”  

That’s the magic word for Nebraska: depth. The dominant performance from the Huskers severely limited the amount of snaps by the starters, allowing young players the opportunity to gain game experience and continue to build the depth that Rhule and company has quickly built in Lincoln. As Robinson mentioned, Goldman recorded a sack in one of his 10 snaps. Freshman lineman Keona Davis and David Höffken each played a handful of snaps as well.

Nebraska will be fresh up front and that’s important in a game that sees the Huskers with a on-paper advantage up front. 

“I feel great,” Robinson said. “I think a lot of other guys feel pretty good coming out. Lifted Sunday and I feel good. I got the legs back today so I’m excited.” 

Robinson and his running mates will be up against a revamped Colorado offensive line when Deion Sanders and his crew come to town. Projected first-round pick and Deion’s son, Shedeur Sanders, will be tough to limit, but sustaining pressure and getting physical will be key. 

Sanders got beat up in 2023 behind an offensive line that allowed 56 sacks on the season which ranked 132nd in the country out of 133 teams. The talent has certainly improved for the Buffaloes, but you couldn’t help but notice the shots Sanders took against North Dakota State last Thursday. The future NFL signal caller is a tough cookie, but sustaining a vast number of hits takes its toll. 

If Nebraska comes out of its primetime showdown with a win over the Buffs, the defensive line will be a big reason for that. For Robinson and his teammates, sticking to the game plan is all they need to do. 

“They’re a solid group,” Robinson said on Colorado’s offensive line. “They’re really great pass protectors. They’re pretty aggressive in the run. We’re just going to stick to our process. Stick to our technique and go play and work because we know it’s going to be a battle up front.” 

MORE: No. 2 Nebraska Swept by SMU, Loses First Match to Unranked Opponent Since 2017

MORE: Nebraska-Colorado: It’s Big Game Week

MORE: Carriker Chronicles: Should ‘Nebraska Nice’ Be Suspended for the Colorado Game?

MORE: Nebraska Must Get Creative and ‘Find Ways’ to Limit Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders

MORE: Pat McAfee: Nebraska Football’s Dylan Raiola ‘Made for the Moment’

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BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Deion Sanders made the matchup with fellow coach Matt Rhule and Nebraska personal a year ago. This season, there’s nothing but praise.

The Colorado coach commended his rival days before the Buffaloes travel to Lincoln, Nebraska, for the final meeting between the storied programs for the foreseeable future.

Colorado and Nebraska were longtime rivals when both were in some version of the Big 12. The Cornhuskers moved to the Big Ten in 2011 and the Buffaloes to the Pac-12. But Colorado returned to the Big 12 this season.

Both teams are coming off season-opening wins.