Paul Finebaum on Alabama’s CFP Hopes After Iron Bowl Win
Following Alabama’s thrilling 27-24 victory over Auburn in the Iron Bowl, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum weighed in on the Crimson Tide’s College Football Playoff (CFP) hopes. The win, though hard-fought, has given Alabama renewed momentum as they push for a potential spot in the playoff, but Finebaum remains cautiously optimistic.
Finebaum acknowledged that Alabama’s chances depend heavily on the upcoming SEC Championship Game against Georgia. “This win over Auburn was crucial, but it’s not the end of the road. Alabama still has one more monumental hurdle ahead of them,” Finebaum said on ESPN’s The Paul Finebaum Show. He pointed out that while Alabama’s win over Auburn was impressive, it did not eliminate questions surrounding their performance throughout the season, particularly their struggles earlier in the year.
He went on to explain that Alabama, despite being a two-loss team, would likely need to defeat Georgia, the current top team in the nation, in the SEC title game to solidify their CFP resume. “If Alabama can beat Georgia, they would have a compelling case. Beating the Bulldogs would not only add a signature win but also likely push them ahead of other one-loss teams in the rankings,” Finebaum said.
He also noted that Alabama’s defense, led by linebacker Dallas Turner, and the continued growth of quarterback Jalen Milroe have positioned the team in a good place heading into the SEC Championship. However, Finebaum stressed that Alabama’s path to the CFP remains uncertain and will ultimately depend on how the committee views their performance against Georgia and the overall landscape of the playoff race.
In short, Finebaum believes Alabama’s CFP hopes are alive but requires a strong showing in the SEC Championship to lock in their spot.