Paul Finebaum is a man whose words are worth listening to. Whether people love or hate the ‘mouth of the South’, there is no denying he tends to ruffle a few feathers. Especially when talking about the larger-than-life personalities of college football. Both Colorado and Sanders were expected to struggle in the upcoming season, with pundits like Finebaum forecasting a disappointing performance for the team. But they’ve shocked the football world, going 4-1 so far.

Now, Finebaum shocked the world when he said that Deion Sanders, Coach Prime, has the best chance of “coach of the year” on, the ESPN First Take. Well, that’s quite a turnaround if you’ve been tuned in to what Finebaum has been saying. He is easily dismissive of both Sanders and Colorado whenever he can. It also needs to be said. And what makes this claim even more humorous is that it repeats a story that was already familiar to none other than Jim Harbaugh. Do you recall when Finebaum trashed the early years of Harbaugh at Michigan? That resulted in a national championship in 2023. Thus, is ‘Coach Prime’ on the verge of doing the same?

As Finebaum himself admitted, “This is a fascinating story… they beat a good team coached by Gus Malzahn, who’s played for the national championship.” Certainly, Finebaum could have crunched the numbers hard on Prime wondering why he doubted, if Colorado keeps this up, “Deion Sanders is going to be a candidate for Coach of the Year.”

If this situation sounds familiar, it’s because it is. Now remember this, when Finebaum was ranting about how bad is Jim Harbaugh was when he took Michigan in 2015. Sanders came in with a huge personality, big promises, and a different approach to coaching just like what Harbaugh did. And guess what? Paul Finebaum didn’t hold back. He wondered whether all of this would work in college football, as per Harbaugh’s planned strategies. Jump to 2023: Harbaugh is lifting a trophy that says, national championship.

There are more ways that Harbaugh and Deion Sanders are related than the mere fact that they are high-profile hires. Both have had to do proving so many people wrong, the establishment of a new culture, and huge media attention. “Prime Time Deion Sanders is making the case to be coach of the year,” Finebaum has recently claimed, and it is funny how in this situation he had to retreat like he did with Harbaugh, eventually.

The Paul Finebaum effect: fuel or curse?

While it took time for Harbaugh to get going at Michigan, he also rectified this situation very early on his arrival at the school. Colorado is now 4-1 and Sanders has proved that he is not someone whom the media has created. He is putting up something tangible in Boulder. Still, just as was the case with Harbaugh, Sanders will have his moments of trial. However, hardworking Colorado still has some powerhouse teams to face in the coming games.

As carefully as Finebaum said it: “The jury is still out… but what we’re seeing from Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter is special.” Consequently, most of the credit for the Buffaloes’ performances can be attributed to players as Shedeur Sanders who is projected as a top two NFL draft pick, and Travis Hunter, who is projected as a legit Heisman contender among others.

Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes are arguably having a typical topsy-turvy year in the 2024 season, but they continue to fight. They beat North Dakota State in the 31-26 battle but were overwhelmed by Nebraska in a 28-10 defeat. But they recovered immediately, thrashing Colorado State 28-9 and producing perhaps the greatest comeback of all time to beat Baylor 38-31 in overtime. Finally, the Buffaloes overwhelmed UCF 48-21, Shedeur Sanders was good again with 290 passing yards. Colorado now stands 4-1 on the season and 2-0 in the Pac-12, thanks in large part to the play of Shedeur Sanders, and WR Travis Hunter.

It’s too early to say Deion Sanders will follow Harbaugh to the NCAA title. However, he is in the correct direction. You know, Sanders isn’t your average college coach. He’s got this swagger about him–this fearless, ‘I’ve-been-there’ vibe that you don’t see every day. Makes sense, right? I mean, the guy was a total beast in the NFL. And it’s funny, ’cause Harbaugh’s got that same energy. The ex-NFL stars turned coach, just brings something different to the table.

“They were projected to finish like 11th,” Stephen A. Smith pointed out, but Sanders has reversed the roles. That is their style and indeed it is paying off. If Finebaum’s record of previous spectacles has taught us anything, then Coach Prime may well be on his way to coming through as one of the greatest.

So, as the season rolls on, and the Buffaloes keep pushing boundaries, one question looms. Will Deion Sanders become a coach and emulate John Harbaugh’s success and leave Finebaum and all others shut to keep quiet? The real answer is yet to come. But in light of history, Coach Prime just might be the one destined for that NCAA title? And we can credit Finebaum’s “kiss of death” for starting the ball rolling?