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Despite capturing significant media attention in 2023, the Colorado Buffaloes endured a season they would likely prefer to forget. After a promising start with three consecutive wins, the Buffaloes faltered, losing eight of their last nine games and finishing with a 4-8 record. As they return to the Big 12, the team faces renewed scrutiny and skepticism, particularly from prominent sports analysts.
While some, like Skip Bayless of Undisputed, have high expectations for the Buffaloes in 2024, not everyone is convinced. ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum expressed his doubts during an appearance on The Matt Barrie Show, where he was asked whether he would bet his salary on Colorado having a winning season. Finebaum's response was unequivocal: he does not believe the Buffaloes will come out ahead.
"I don't think they will," Finebaum said. "Deion Sanders is a standalone figure. He's a celebrity. He's a Hollywood celebrity masquerading as a head football coach. I admire what he's done. He's inspired a lot of people."
Finebaum's skepticism extends beyond Sanders' celebrity status. He pointed to the team's performance metrics, suggesting there is little to be excited about when reviewing their numbers. He reiterated his previous assertion that the University of Colorado remains "irrelevant" in the broader landscape of college football.
Finebaum claims Colorado isn't a serious program
According to Finebaum, once the season begins, the media hype surrounding Colorado will dissipate. He anticipates that while various celebrities may be spotted on the sidelines, the Buffaloes will not be a focal point of his discussions. "I'll only focus on the teams that matter in college football," Finebaum stated, underscoring his belief that Colorado does not fit that criterion.
As the 2024 season approaches, the Colorado Buffaloes will need to prove their critics wrong. The spotlight is on head coach Deion Sanders to translate his high-profile status into tangible success on the field. Whether the Buffaloes can overcome last season's disappointments and make a mark in the Big 12 remains to be seen. For now, the team's journey forward is clouded with doubt and anticipation.