Paul Finebaum recently criticized Nick Saban amid the Alabama Crimson Tide’s struggles this season, marking a notable shift in the narrative surrounding the once-dominant program. Under the new leadership of Kalen DeBoer, Alabama’s campaign has been a mix of highs and lows. While they secured a significant victory over the Georgia Bulldogs, the Tide also faced disappointing losses to the Vanderbilt Commodores and Tennessee Volunteers. With the potential for a third loss looming, Alabama risks achieving its highest loss tally in a season since 2010—a stark contrast to the standard of excellence established during Saban’s tenure.
On “The Paul Finebaum Show,” Finebaum delved into the underlying issues plaguing the team, attributing much of their current struggles to a lack of discipline. The statistics reinforce his concerns, as Alabama has consistently ranked poorly in penalties in recent years—No. 99, No. 129, and No. 65 over the last three seasons under Saban. This year, they find themselves at the bottom of the rankings again, currently sitting at No. 129 for penalties per game. Such performance not only highlights an erosion of discipline but also raises questions about coaching effectiveness.
Finebaum pointed out that while Saban’s legacy is undeniable, signs of decline began appearing in recent seasons, even before DeBoer’s arrival. “As great as Saban was, the signs started a couple of years ago,” Finebaum remarked. “He was able to hold it together based on pure talent and greatness.” This statement underscores a critical view that Saban’s previous success may have masked deeper issues within the program. The declining performance can also be traced back to the quality of his coaching staff, which Finebaum suggests has waned, particularly in Saban’s final year at the helm.
The combination of undisciplined play and a lack of execution on the field raises significant concerns for Alabama as they strive to return to the top tier of college football. With the pressure mounting, the team faces a crucial stretch of games, including back-to-back matchups against ranked opponents. Their upcoming game against the No. 21 Missouri Tigers will be a pivotal moment, not only for DeBoer’s credibility but also for the future trajectory of the program.
For Alabama, addressing these critical issues is essential if they hope to remain in contention for the College Football Playoff. As they navigate this challenging season, the scrutiny on both DeBoer and Saban will only intensify. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the team responds to adversity and whether they can reclaim their status as a perennial powerhouse in college football.
As the Tide prepares for their next challenge, it remains to be seen if they can overcome the obstacles that have beset them this season. If they fail to make significant improvements, it could signal a more profound transformation needed within the program—a far cry from the days when Saban’s leadership defined Alabama football. The road ahead is tough, but for a team with a storied legacy, the hope for redemption remains alive.
