"They looked like a real football team instead of a gimmick": Paul Finebaum finally approves Colorado after Deion Sanders' Week 5 dominance

The Deion Sanders-led Colorado Buffaloes have been on a slow grind to improvement since he was hired as head coach. Sanders has always been a charismatic figure and was a proven winner on the field during his playing days.

However, it remains to be seen whether he could translate his personal stardom to a role as coach with the University of Colorado football team. Paul Finebaum thinks that he is doing just that.

The college football analyst spoke on SportsCenter following the Buffaloes' Week 5 blowout win over UCF. He said:

"I am 'Paul In,' and for the first time since Prime got there two years ago, this is a legitimate football team."

Finebaum continued:

"It’s not about hype, it’s not about the stars, it’s about a football team that was the most impressive school to me of all yesterday, and I know that includes Alabama. But this program went on the road to a tough place, a big underdog, and they dominated, and they did it effectively, and of course, they had Travis Hunter and Shedeur [Sanders and] everything else that goes with Coach Prime. But they looked like a real football team rather than a gimmick. And I could not be more impressed. And for the first time, they may be a legitimate contender in their conference."

Colorado had a big win in Week 5

Colorado earned significant praise after defeating UCF in Week 5 of the 2024 college football season. The Buffaloes were led by Shedeur Sanders, who had 290 passing yards and three touchdowns.

Sanders was helped by two-way superstar Travis Hunter, who got a touchdown, interception, and one of the best celebrations you'll see all season, hitting the Heisman Trophy pose.

Colorado's defense also deserves some credit, as the unit forced four turnovers in the win. UCF quarterback KJ Jefferson was intercepted twice, throwing off the team's equilibrium for the vast majority of the game. The win takes Colorado to 4-1 and drops UCF to 3-1.

What next for Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes?

Deion Sanders wasn't playing around when he said that the 2024 iteration of his Colorado Buffaloes would be different when compared to last year's team. There's a chip on the shoulders of every Colorado player, and it's paying significant dividends early in the 2024 CFB season.

Next, there's a bye week before a game against the 23rd ranked Kansas State Wildcats. The Wildcats recently blew out fellow ranked side Oklahoma State.

The Wildcats won thanks to a stellar showing from starting quarterback Avery Johnson. Johnson had five touchdowns in the win, flexing his dual-threat ability in the process. Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes will need to prepare because the Wildcats are arguably the biggest threat faced all season.