Paul Finebaum picks undefeated team over Colorado football to win the Big 12

Paul Finebaum doesn't foresee Deion Sanders' Colorado football program getting past BYU in a potential Big 12 Championship Game, but he does believe the Buffs will be a conference and College Football Playoff contender -- and he's amazed we're even talking about CU like this in November.

“No, I think they’ll come very close,” Finebaum said on First Take (h/t On3). “I think this weekend is tricky. They have a couple of other games, but the fact that we’re even having a conversation on the sixth of November, to me, it may not be surprising to Stephen A, but it’s shocking to me because I undervalued them and I over valued the rest of the league. 

“But I think they can get to the championship game. I’m not sure right now they have enough to get past BYU, but I think if they did, Stephen A, we’re talking about one of the greatest, most significant and important college football stories of all time.”

Stephen A. Smith shares wild take on Colorado football going to the College Football Playoff

Stephen A. Smith believes the Buffs should get preference for qualifying for the College Football Playoff because "Prime Time" is a box office draw.

“And I’m thinking about college football … Sizzle does matter. It should matter,” Smith said. “College football needs to get with the program and stop trying to make everybody happy. You ain’t never cared about making people happy before. Don’t start now. Make yourself happy. Get the draw and ratings.”

It takes a lot of gall to suggest a sport that has already conceded its tradition in the sake of profits should taint the postseason for even more money. The honesty is appreciated at least.

It's not like Smith gives a damn about tradition as a New York-based reporter who grew up covering for-profit leagues like the NBA.