Paul Finebaum is pumped for the upcoming clash this weekend between host No. 8 Alabama and No. 13 LSU from Tuscaloosa.

This crucial clash will have major stakes for the SEC West standings and the rights to reach the conference title game. The ESPN analyst explains how huge this game is for both the Crimson Tide and the Tigers during an appearance on McElroy And Cubelic In The Morning.

For now, Finebaum is rolling with the Tide.

“I think this is exactly what we thought it would be in the offseason. It’s the game of the year in the SEC West at least,” Finebaum said. “On Monday, I feel pretty good about Alabama but I wouldn’t want to have to make a case to a group of scholars on a dissertation about why. Because every time you try to answer a question somebody will throw something at you.”

Finebaum believes this will be a fascinating clash between Alabama’s strong defense vs. LSU’s No. 1 offense in the nation.

“I think the 1 advantage for Alabama is that unlike against even Ole Miss, Tennessee, and A&M, they’re not playing a seriously good defensive team. They were able to withstand the punches from all 3 of those,” Finebaum said. “But they are facing the best offense in the country. I think that has to make the defensive side of the ball very concerned.”

LSU at Alabama is slated for a 7:45 p.m. EST kickoff (CBS).