The Alabama Crimson Tide’s 24-3 loss to Oklahoma has triggered sharp criticism, including pointed remarks from ESPN’s Paul Finebaum on The Matt Barrie Show. The defeat marks Alabama’s third loss of the season, a rare occurrence last seen in 2010. Finebaum expressed frustration, particularly with head coach Kalen DeBoer, accusing the team of being unprepared and unfocused.
“This was simply inexcusable,” Finebaum remarked. “You’d be smart to start at the very top. That team didn’t look like they had a clue what they were getting into.”
Oklahoma’s stout defense, led by head coach Brent Venables, dominated the game, while Alabama’s offense struggled mightily. Quarterback Jalen Milroe had a nightmare outing, completing just 11-of-26 passes for 164 yards and throwing three interceptions. Oklahoma’s ground game was decisive, amassing 260 rushing yards and controlling the clock with over 34 minutes of possession compared to Alabama’s 25 minutes.
This loss underscores significant challenges for Alabama under DeBoer’s leadership, as they face mounting pressure to regroup and salvage the remainder of their season. Finebaum’s criticism reflects broader concerns from the fanbase and analysts about the program’s trajectory.
Alabama football still has a path to the College Football Playoff
Paul Finebaum’s critique of Alabama’s playoff hopes following their loss to Oklahoma reflects a broader skepticism about the Crimson Tide’s viability as a legitimate College Football Playoff contender. While some analysts, like ESPN’s Heather Dinich, see a potential path for Alabama, Finebaum questions whether their résumé truly warrants consideration.
“That loss was a body blow,” Finebaum said. “I don’t understand how Alabama can be considered a legitimate playoff team. They’ve lost to Vanderbilt, a five-loss team, and now Oklahoma, [another] five-loss team. If you were looking at a chart of the SEC, [Oklahoma is] probably 12 or 13 out of the 16 in the league.”
The Tide’s season has been marked by inconsistency, with key victories over Georgia, South Carolina, Missouri, and LSU helping keep their playoff hopes alive. However, losses to Vanderbilt, Tennessee, and now Oklahoma have raised questions about their ability to sustain success, particularly against teams considered weaker on paper.
With one regular-season game and conference championships still to come, Alabama’s playoff chances are hanging by a thread. They’ll likely need significant help from chaos in the rankings and an impressive showing in the SEC Championship—if they make it there—to convince the selection committee they belong in the final four.
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