Paul Finebaum makes his prediction for the national championship game, shares key to the matchup
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.”
What a shock, Finebaum picked bama.
He’s a vol alumni… But I respect the man that calls it for what it is..
Who would you pick?
Hey Dave, I know you are worried because Bama is 0-2 when the OC leaves but a far more important stat is they are undefeated when Labron wins a title!
A more important stat? You connect the CFCG to an NBA title of one player and THAT’S your more important stat? You live in Vegas? Not hardly.
No but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night. X-ray vision is your super power? Not hardly.
Good to know, a huge relief! :) Roll Tide.
1-2 under Saban when we lose our OC
Yeah, I think so too but I’m pretty sure he’s referring to a comment where I specified CFP Championship games. Still, that’s just from memory, if I’m wrong, I’ll say I’m wrong. :)
Saban’s toadie surprises no one. He actually had a report a few weeks ago on what Saban had for lunch. It was the sad display of a love struck fanboy.
Well it isn’t like he was overloaded with choices, nor is he alone in his prediction.
You’re probably too young to remember but there was a time when Finebaum had nothing but BAD things to say about Alabama. Oh, and just in case you haven’t noticed, Alabama is pretty good.
Why yall wo butthurt over his pick?
As a Bama fan from way back I do hope the Tide wins but I know the Buck nuts have a real chance to win. I respect them for that.
An average game against notre day off course we did Notre Dame that average team would have to put anything into that game they were a joke like they were in 2012. Of course the buckeyes had to play a perfect game Against Clemson. Bama saving their selves for the national title…. Where the bucknuts will have to play a perfect game or better to beat Alabama once again. Ohio state and a prayer.
Of course bama had a very average game against notre shame. Crimson tide didn’t have to put anything into that game ND were a joke, like they were in 2012. Of course the buckeyes had to play a perfect game Against, a team like Clemson. Bama saving their selves for the national title. the bucknuts will have to play a perfect game or better to beat Alabama once again. Ohio state and a prayer.