Paul Finebaum is a fan of what Lane Kiffin is trying to do in Oxford.

Finebaum joined the latest edition of “McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning” on WJOX in Birmingham, Alabama to discuss what Kiffin is building in Oxford as the College Football Playoff moves to 12 teams.

One problem that people have had with Kiffin at Ole Miss is that the program hasn’t taken that next step and beaten Nick Saban. However, Finebaum said that it’s a problem that all SEC coaches have, including Kirby Smart.

“I think it’s apparent that Lane Kiffin has taken this program to an occasional contender, but mostly pretender, to an elite upper echelon SEC team,” said Finebaum. “I know we obsessed this year so much about how he can’t beat Nick Saban, but Kirby Smart’s got that problem and so does about 13 of the SEC coaches.”

Kiffin has made a difference at Ole Miss in Finebaum’s eyes. Finebaum was impressed with how effective Kiffin has been with the portal as of late.

“Ultimately, he’s moved on and made differences where he can,” said Finebaum. “He has a great collective, as you guys know, and it’s hard to find anyone more effective in the portal right now.”

If Ole Miss wins the Peach Bowl, the program would secure its 1st 11-win season under Kiffin.