Paul Finebaum expresses concern in how Deion Sanders coached down the stretch in Week 1

Colorado defeated North Dakota State 31-26 in the Buffaloes’ season opener on Thursday, escaping with the victory thanks to a late stand from their defense despite the best effort from the Bison on their final drive.

Instead of trying to run out the clock, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders had his offense continue to pass the football deep into the fourth quarter with a one possession lead. SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum sounded off on Coach Prime’s decisions in the season opener on a recent appearance on ‘The Matt Barrie Show.’

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“I’ve had my issues with with Deion Sanders recently over things he’s done, but I was rooting for them,” Finebaum told Barrie on Sunday. “I was having fun watching. It was an exciting game, but what concerns me more than anything else was the way Deion coached the game down the stretch.

“Is he in control the sidelines? Does Shedeur [Sanders] have the final word on everything? Because at a time, and I’m sure you thought of this, and I know others have said it, but at a time when you needed to run the clock out, they’re just firing away, giving the opponent an opportunity to come back and win the game.”

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In close games, coaches are typically expected to try and keep their offenses on the field as long as possible. NDSU ended up winning the possession battle 37-23. However, Colorado did lead a 17-play, 80-yard drive that started late in the third quarter and took over eight minutes off the clock and inside eight minutes left in regulation.

After the Bison responded with a touchdown on the ensuing drive, Colorado followed that up with a five-play drive that took less than two minutes off the clock and handed the ball back to North Dakota State with less than a touchdown lead. Shedeur Sanders threw four passes on the drive, but the defense would hold strong and complete the hard-fought victory.

Sanders completed 26 of 34 passes for four touchdowns and an interception during the contest. Wide receivers Jimmy Horn Jr. and Travis Hunter combined for 330 of those yards while Hunter logged three touchdowns on the night.

Defensively, they allowed the Bison to rack up 449 yards of offense and did not force a North Dakota State turnover.

Now, Colorado will hit the road to take on Nebraska in another matchup that will have all eyes on Coach Prime and the Buffs. Kickoff is set for Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET live on NBC.