Amid Deion Sanders beef rumors, Paul Finebaum receives an unexpected invitation to Colorado

Amid rumors of a beef with Deion Sanders, Paul Finebaum received a surprising invitation to Colorado. After the Buffaloes’ loss to Nebraska, Finebaum questioned Sanders' effectiveness as a head coach, suggesting that while Coach Prime excelled in the media spotlight, his coaching skills were yet to be proven. Finebaum had even predicted that Colorado might miss the postseason.

On Thursday’s "The Paul Finebaum Show," college football analyst Carl Reed Jr. shared a message from Coach Prime himself, clearing the air.

Reed said that everywhere he goes, fans ask if there’s a rift between Finebaum and Sanders. However, according to Reed, Sanders has nothing but respect for Finebaum.

“I say, 'I don't think they have anything against each other.' Prime told me today, Paul, he loves your show and he loves the analysis that you give,” Reed said. “He loves it. He said to tell you that he ‘appreciates’ all your coverage on the Colorado Buffaloes and he ‘respects’ your opinion.”

“We got to get you down the border for a game, Paul,” Reed added.

Finebaum responded graciously, saying:

“We'll do it and we'll talk to you off the air and we're going to make that happen because it doesn't matter.”

This weekend, all eyes will be on Coach Prime and the Buffaloes as they take on nationally-ranked Kansas State at home.

Paul Finebaum validates Stephen A. Smith's College Football Coach of the Year prediction

On Tuesday's "First Take," Paul Finebaum was thoroughly impressed with Colorado’s big win over the UCF Knights. Seeing some truth in Stephen A. Smith's claim about Deion Sanders being a Coach of the Year candidate, Finebaum said:

"They didn't beat a great team, but they beat a good team coached by Guz Malzahn, who has played for a national championship. So, if they can continue on this path — I'm not issuing qualifiers, I'm just saying if — then, Stephen A., I think your story about Coach of the Year is dead on."

In just his second year at Colorado, Sanders has led the Buffaloes to a 4-1 record, including Saturday's road win. What’s especially interesting is that Finebaum, who was critical of Sanders throughout the offseason and after Colorado’s early loss to Nebraska, is now shifting his stance.