Paul Finebaum weighs in on Alabama-Georgia debate and biggest SEC letdown team
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
Paul Finebaum offered some interesting takes as we head into the first full week of games featuring SEC teams.
During a Monday appearance on McElroy And Cubelic In The Morning, the ESPN analyst explained why he believes back-to-back national champion Georgia is getting overlooked by some in the national media.
Finebaum equates it to when Alabama was atop the conference for many years.
“This is a little bit like what we’ve dealt with Alabama over the years. It became cliche to say Alabama is going to win the national championship,” Finebaum said. “I think people just want to find something different. There’s nothing unique, compelling to say Georgia is going to win.”
Even though Georgia is ranked No. 1 in the first edition of the AP poll, Finebaum cites the aura of Nick Saban as the reason some prognosticators are leaning towards No. 4 Alabama as the SEC champion.
“I’ve felt all along that Alabama would be a playoff contender. I’ve never felt that strongly about them winning the SEC. I understand why people pick Alabama,” Finebaum said. “It’s about Nick Saban…When you look at the 2 programs, yeah Georgia looks like a better program. But right now, how many people would take Kirby Smart over Nick Saban to win 1 game? I know I wouldn’t.”
Meanwhile, Finebaum believes No. 5 LSU could be the biggest letdown in the SEC because of a daunting schedule that begins with a matchup vs. No. 8 Florida State in Week 1, as well as contests vs. Alabama, No. 22 Ole Miss, and No. 23 Texas A&M.
With defensive tackle Maason Smith missing the opener due to a suspension for receiving impermissible benefits, Finebaum thinks LSU could be in trouble vs. Florida State.
“We may be talking a week from today about what went wrong for them. I think that’s really the only major school in the SEC that will be in that conversation…,” Finebaum said. “One player will not determine a game but the Maason Smith situation I think has to make them uncomfortable. He’s an impact player. He’s the type of player that could play a huge role in that game next Sunday night.
