Paul Finebaum says Alabama is a ‘legit national championship contender,’ ranked too low in AP Top 25
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Just a day after the AP unveiled its preseason poll, Paul Finebaum has set his sights on one SEC powerhouse that he believes could dominate the college football landscape this season: Kalen DeBoer’s Alabama football team.
Finebaum confidently assesses that Alabama is not just a contender but a serious threat for the national championship. During an appearance on WJOX 94.5’s “McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning,” he stated, ” I have no trouble saying it: I think Alabama is a legitimate national championship contender.”
With only three Saturdays left before the highly anticipated opening against Florida State in Tallahassee, the Tide finds itself ranked No. 8 in the preseason AP Top 25.
“I think they were too low yesterday,” Finebaum remarked, reflecting on Alabama’s ranking. “I don’t know if we’ve ever said that in modern times.”
Finebaum believes the Crimson Tide has regained its footing and currently ranks among the top two to four teams nationally. In fact, he places them ahead of other powerhouse programs like Ohio State, which debuted at No. 3.
However, Finebaum emphasizes that this resurgence didn’t happen overnight. His analysis traces back to this past offseason when it became evident that DeBoer and his coaching staff needed to address several critical areas while maintaining momentum.
“It started with nobody leaving,” he explained. “It continues with Ty Simpson. They have plugged so many holes; the recruiting has been outstanding and for the first time since Kalen DeBoer arrived, the coaching staff is solid.”
Known for his often critical stance on college teams, Finebaum’s optimism about Alabama signals a significant shift in perception as they appear poised to reclaim their dominance in college football. Will Alabama rise to the occasion?
Lee Ann joins the Saturday Down South team, bringing over fifteen years of experience covering the SEC as both a sports journalist and football scout. With her keen eye for talent, she has also flexes her skills as the Director of Recruiting for the Rebel Walk( Ole Miss) Herring, is a staff writer at USA Today Sports Wildcats Wire, where she dives into the thrilling world of Kentucky football and basketball. When fall rolls around, you can catch her on air as an analyst for the Wake up 502 College Football Show on Big X Sports Radio 96.1 FM—because who doesn't love a good game day chat? A proud Brown University alum, Lee Ann balances her time between the sidelines and press box with her passion for coaching her boys' youth lacrosse and savoring a fine glass of bourbon alongside a good cigar. So, whether she's dissecting plays or rallying the next generation of athletes, Lee Ann is your spirited insider ready to tackle all things SEC!
