Paul Finebaum Reveals Bold Game Plan: Alabama’s Last Chance to Dodge Disaster

With two losses in their last four games—including a tough defeat against an up-and-coming Vanderbilt team after an exciting win over Georgia last month—Alabama football isn’t quite where first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer had hoped to be heading into November. Nevertheless, the Crimson Tide holds a 6-2 record and ranks No. 11 in the latest AP poll, leaving them in a position to potentially secure one of the lower spots in the new 12-team playoff format, with the first rankings set to release tonight. Alabama’s postseason fate will likely hinge on Saturday’s game against LSU, also 6-2 and ranked No. 14 nationally, in Death Valley. SEC analyst Paul Finebaum describes the situation as essentially “win and you’re in”—or, from a pessimistic perspective, “lose, and it’s a disaster.”

On Tuesday’s broadcast of ESPN’s “Get Up,” Mike Greenberg questioned Finebaum if a win over LSU would secure Alabama’s playoff spot. “Absolutely,” Finebaum answered. “Because they don’t have much after that, Greeny.” They travel to Oklahoma, which has been a disappointment, and then play Auburn, which has been a disaster. This is it for Kalen DeBoer. “It was all about getting into the playoffs or bust.”

“A win and they’re in,” Finebaum said. “A loss and the season goes down as a disaster.” I understand that seems harsh, but Alabama’s goal is to make the playoffs. Alabama does play Mercer, a non-major team, before the Sooners go on the road and Auburn comes home.