Paul Finebaum makes his prediction for the national championship game, shares key to the matchup
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Anyone could have guessed what the hottest topic was going to be this week on The Paul Finebaum Show.
Crimson Tide fans from across the nation are calling in to the show to pick Finebaum’s brain on the upcoming College Football Playoff National Championship Game between Alabama and Ohio State.
During the Wednesday edition of the show, an anxious Alabama fan called in hoping the host would calm her nerves.
Her question to Finebaum was a simple one, who is going to win the game on Monday night?
“I like Alabama and it has nothing to do with my thoughts on Ohio State,” Finebaum answered. “I just don’t (Ohio State) they can replicate what they did the other night (against Clemson). I think Alabama played a very average game against Notre Dame. Don’t let your anxiety get the better of you.”
A follow-up from another caller asked Finebaum to share his key to the matchup in the title game.
“I don’t mean to come off too predictable here but I think Justin Fields is the key to the game,” Finebaum added. “If he is not healthy, if he can be slowed down at all, I think Alabama is going to be in really good shape.
“He presents a lot of threats and a lot of challenges to Alabama because he is so mobile.”
No surprise there but Finebaum was willing to share his thoughts on one way Ohio State could possibly exploit Nick Saban’s team in the game.
“I also think Alabama is a team that doesn’t make a lot of mistakes and that is why they are so difficult to contain on the (offensive) side of the ball,” Finebaum concluded. “I do think Alabama has a few deficiencies on the defensive side but they’ve been able to mask them this year because of their explosive offense.”
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
