Paul Finebaum reveals weakness that will keep Colorado from contending in Big 12

Paul Finebaum won’t go as far as saying Colorado can win the Big 12 following the win over Baylor last weekend.

In fact, the ESPN commentator called it “fiction” during Wednesday’s segment on Get Up. Yes, Deion Sanders and company are 3-1 and thrilled college football fans with a Hail Mary and an overtime win.

But that’s about as good as it gets for Colorado in 2024.

“I would say fiction, Greeny,” Finebaum said on Get Up. “Everyone loved what we saw. It was arguably the play of the year, it wasn’t really even arguable, but they’re still not there. Their offensive line still cannot protect (Shedeur) Sanders and that’s really the problem. And that’s what will be their undoing before this season is over.”

That protection? Colorado’s offensive line surrendered eight sacks to the Baylor defense. Shedeur Sanders has been sacked 16 times in four games this year, an average of four per game.

Sure, the most recent game was a bit more of an outlier for Colorado, but it’s still an alarming stat. The Buffaloes only averaged 68.8 rushing yards per game, which puts the onus on the passing game.

That model for Finebaum? It’s unsustainable.

Colorado is 3-1 for the second straight season in year two under Deion Sanders. It may not be as high-profile as the start to his debut was last fall but it has still had its exciting moments. 

That includes a close win in the opener to North Dakota State, a rivalry victory on the road over Colorado State, and then what took place to end regulation and then into overtime this past weekend versus Baylor.

The Buffalos’ main storylines also again involve the play of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. Sanders has already thrown for 1,340 yards for 11 touchdowns and two interceptions on 67.9% completion. Hunter has been even more special, though, with 472 yards and five scores at receiver to go with 14 tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble at corner as a hopeful for The Heisman Trophy.

Still, even with what all is going for them, Colorado could be looking at a comparable close to what they went through last year according to figures per On3’s Massey Ratings: a 3-9 season.