Paul Finebaum Names Star Quarterback's Heisman Dreams Are Officially Over

Coming into this season, many had high expectations for the Colorado Buffaloes' star quarterback, Shedeur Sanders. Some even predicted Sanders would be a Heisman Trophy contender.

Sanders began the year as one of the top 15 favorites to win the prestigious trophy. His performance in Week 1 against FCS North Dakota State only enhanced those expectations. He completed 76.5% of his passes for 445 yards and four touchdowns. Yet, his Week 2 performance is likely one he would prefer to forget.

Sanders completed 60.5% of his passes for 244 yards, with one touchdown and one interception that was returned for a touchdown. The Buffaloes suffered a significant defeat in one of their most important games of the year against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

According to ESPN's Paul Finebaum , he believes that Sanders' chances of winning the Heisman Trophy are over after Week 2.

"Shedeur is done," Finebaum said. "He's not coming back after what his line has done to him."

Finebaum cited Colorado's ineffective offensive line as a factor in his skepticism about Sanders' ability to make a comeback. Sanders was sacked more than any other quarterback last season, and the situation hasn't improved this year. Colorado has already allowed seven sacks in two games this season.

That's on pace for 42 sacks this season, which would have ranked as No. 122 last season and was just 14 short of Colorado's 56 allowed. Colorado and Sanders will have a chance to figure it out this weekend against in-state rival Colorado State, who took the Buffaloes to double overtime last season. That game will be Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. ET on CBS.

Related: ESPN Predicts Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders' NFL Draft Landing Spot