Paul Finebaum flips script of Colorado take, backs Deion Sanders

ESPN’s Paul Finebaum finally flipped the script on his feelings regarding Colorado and backed Deion Sanders more so than ever.

When asked if Colorado’s Big 12 Championship chances are “fine” Monday, Finebaum agreed with the take. You’re not in Bizarro World, this is real.

Colorado, now 4-1 and 2-0 in the Big 12, is rolling under Sanders right now.

“Matt, I’ve been telling you all year. This is one of the best teams in the country. Actually not. I’ve been ‘not fine’ on them until this moment in time,” Finebaum said on SportsCenter. “I am fine on what I’m seeing from Coach Prime. I really like it. That was a complete game. That’s the best performance they have had since he got there. And there’s a lot to build on.”

This isn’t the first time Finebaum had this take though. He thought Colorado could be a legitimate contender when he reacted to the game Sunday morning.

The run game didn’t explode, but Colorado received touchdown contributions from Dallan Hayden and Micah Welch. Shedeur Sanders threw for 290 yards, three touchdowns and one pick. Will Sheppard, Travis Hunter and LaJohntay Wester all reeled in scores.

The Big 12 might provide more opportunity, seeing how anyone can be beaten. Kansas State seems to be the front runner, following a win over Oklahoma State.

Utah lost to Arizona in an upset and suddenly the conference is upside down again. Colorado is 2-0 in the conference and takes on Kansas State and Arizona in its next two games, following a bye week.

But if Deion Sanders has Colorado humming right now, there could be a lot of eyes on the Big 12 midseason.

“A wonderful game,” Sanders said postgame. “Utmost respect for Coach (Gus) Malzahn. He keeps me going and he keeps me on my toes. What he’s accomplished and what he’s brought to college football is phenomenal …

“Football wise, it’s one of the first times that we came out and played a collective game offensively, defensively as well as special teams with (Alejandro Mata) hitting that field goal right before the half. That was tremendous. Even the play call right before Mata to get out of bounds, just phenomenal execution. Shedeur, I think he got touched a couple times but other than that, we ran the damn ball effectively. Really proud.”