SEC Network college football analyst Paul Finebaum strongly believes in Nick Saban's ability to restore Alabama to its customary excellence in 2023.
At the start of SEC Media Days last month, Finebaum was on ESPN's "First Take" questioning Nick Saban's legacy, but Monday, it seems his opinion has changed. Finebaum jumped on "McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning" on Monday, giving a detailed explanation of why he likes the Crimson Tide to make the playoffs this season.
"I feel pretty good," Finebaum proclaimed, speaking on his confidence level in Alabama entering the 2023 season.
"I've been feeling better about Alabama for months now. I just think that the biggest issue is quarterback, but once that can be settled, assuming it can, I think a lot of missing parts have been found through recruiting."
Paul @Finebaum joined the guys on @MacandCube and shared how confident he is that @AlabamaFTBL can return to the @CFBPlayoff this season.
— WJOX 94.5 FM (@WJOX945) August 7, 2023
Whole interview: https://t.co/CHsWV9ObX4 pic.twitter.com/3uTy5il3cI
As Finebaum mentioned, the quarterback position appears to have the most questions. Currently, Alabama still has yet to find its starting quarterback out of the three-man race between Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson and Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner. The Crimson Tide is also replacing both coordinators, bringing in Tommy Rees to run the offense and Kevin Steele to run the defense. Replacing both coordinators at the same time can be a difficult situation, but Finebaum thinks it could be a blessing.
"I'm extremely excited to see what the two new coordinators will bring because I've argued in the past that some of the coaching has really got in Alabama's way," stated Finebaum. "Two years ago, I felt like [Doug] Marrone, the offensive line coach, was an issue. He was gone last year. Things really didn't get any better, but that could've been blamed on the offensive coordinator, and I will spare you, the audience, my thoughts on Pete Golding. I know what the stats indicate, but I also know what my eyes saw. So I feel like with new coordinators, with Kevin Steele on the defensive side of the ball, there's a high level of confidence for me that this team can make it to the Playoffs."
The additions to the Alabama coaching staff of Tommy Rees and Kevin Steele have made Finebaum excited to see what they can bring to the table in the upcoming season. These changes at the coordinator positions give Finebaum the high confidence level that Nick Saban can take Alabama back to the College Football Playoffs this season.
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