Imagine this: the seasoned HC who had won the last three games now he is now facing off against one of the sport’s most prominent critics. This is the setting for which Deion Sanders has now recently directed appalling remarks to ESPN’s Paul Finebaum. There are lot of anticipation built up, especially with the game between the Colorado Buffaloes and No. 18 Kansas State looming. It’s a classic case of David versus Goliath, but this time, Goliath is struggling to find his footing.

The Buffaloes have looked promising, after losing terribly to Nebraska, but coming back with a 4-1 record. What used to be a disapproval of Sanders, Finebaum has now taken a 180-degree spin and become a staunch supporter. Admittedly he was convinced by the performance of Colorado on September 28. “Of all the schools that impressed me the most on (Sept. 28), it was Colorado. They went someplace I thought would be incredibly difficult and they won in dominating fashion.” 

Of course, having regained Finebaum’s respect, Sanders is not ready to call off the quarrel. Speaking to Romi Bean in an episode of her YouTube channel, Romi Bean, Sanders addressed the critics, including Finebaum. He knows the media game, he tells them. “You got to understand what these gentlemen understand. If you mention us, you get clicks. You get known. You get spots all around the country and now you’re known for that guy that’s been hating on us. I mean, you could change it to him and all that but it was proper. I understand him. I respect him. I don’t get upset with him because he’s just doing his job and he’s trying to hang on in a world full of people that want attention.”

Deion Sanders is hurt and is not likely to let it go

This isn’t peculiar to me: in a way, this is an attempt to wound, albeit indirectly. Sanders acquits Finebaum of having no part in the media frenzy while not completely exonerating him of blame. The underlying message? It cannot be like suddenly turning over a new page and everything will be okay.

Still, Finebaum himself has praised Sanders on many occasions, and even said some nice things about him. “As someone who has been very critical of Deion Sanders, I have to say he has managed this team quite well despite all the bullets and all of the attacks and all of the criticisms, some of it coming from me. I give him enormous credit … They’re back to being a legitimate story for the first time.” But while he offers praise, the lingering question remains: is it enough? Will Sanders ever be able to come around and accept the change that Finebaum has made, or is this a permanent enmity we’re looking at?

Heading into a match-up against Kansas State the stakes are higher than before. The Wildcats cannot wait to start playing with the hopes of extending their stay in the College Football Playoff while the Buffaloes eye a chance to build on their credibility in the Big Leagues. When both teams are on the line, the fans will stay focused on whether Sanders will perform and deliver positive remarks to guide his team regardless of the critics like Finebaum.

So, what’s the takeaway? In a world where attention is currency, Sanders appears to be thinking big and long term. Interestingly, he is not only concerned with the team’s performance on the board but with the politics involved coming with fame. For now, he is happy to let Finebaum continue his diatribe all the while his team continues to amass victories. The drama continues, and one thing is clear: the world of college football is never short on intrigue.