BREAKING: Paul Finebaum Takes Shot at Nick Saban Over Alabama’s Struggles

Kalen DeBoer’s first year as head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide has had its ups and downs. Alabama secured a major victory over the Georgia Bulldogs, but they’ve also suffered two tough losses: one to the Vanderbilt Commodores and another to the Tennessee Volunteers. Another defeat would give Alabama its most losses in a season since 2010; the program hasn’t lost more than three games since Nick Saban’s initial season in 2007.

Paul Finebaum addressed this rocky start on his “Paul Finebaum Show,” citing a lack of discipline, including excessive penalties and turnovers, as contributing factors. Finebaum also suggested these issues began in the final years under Saban, who relied on Alabama’s high talent level to maintain success. “The signs started a couple of years ago,” Finebaum commented, adding that while Saban managed to hold things together with strong staff until his last season, that final group was “terrible.”

Data from Team Rankings highlights Alabama’s struggles with penalties, ranking No. 99, No. 129, and No. 65 in Saban’s last three years.

This season, the trend continues, with Alabama currently 129th in penalties nationally. With tough, ranked opponents ahead—starting with the No. 21 Missouri Tigers this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC—the Crimson Tide will need to address these issues to remain in contention for the College Football Playoff.