Paul Finebaum Issues a strong comment on how Alabama can avoid ‘Disaster’

With two defeats in its previous four games, including a disappointing loss to a rising Vanderbilt team that came after a thrilling victory over Georgia last month, Alabama football is not exactly where first-year coach Kalen DeBoer had hoped to start November.

Still, the Crimson Tide is 6-2, ranked No. 11 in the latest AP poll, and should be able to make the back end of the new 12-team playoff structure, which will be released for the first time tonight.

It remains to be seen whether the Crimson Tide can maintain that ranking. That is likely to be resolved on Saturday, when Alabama travels to Death Valley to face LSU, who is also 6-2 and coming off a loss to Texas A&M. The Tigers are ranked 14th in the nation.

Longtime SEC expert Paul Finebaum believes Alabama has a win-and-you’re in situation. Or, if you’re the glass-half-empty kind, lose and you’re a disaster.

On Tuesday’s broadcast of ESPN’s “Get Up,” Mike Greenberg questioned Finebaum if a win over LSU would secure Alabama’s playoff spot.

“Absolutely,’ Finebaum said. “Because they don’t really have a lot after that, Greeny. They go to Oklahoma, which has been a disappointment, and they play Auburn which has been a disaster. This is it for Kalen DeBoer. It was all about getting in, the playoffs or bust. …”

“A win and they’re in,” Finebaum said, “a loss and the season goes down as a disaster. I know that sounds harsh, but it is all about getting into the playoffs for Alabama.”

Alabama does play Mercer, a non-major team, before the Sooners go on the road and Auburn comes home.