Finebaum Says Alabama Must Beat LSU to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
Paul Finebaum said Alabama could lose its College Football Playoff path with a defeat at LSU on November 7. He said LSU has more room for error because of its remaining schedule.
Alabama faces a pivotal road game against LSU on November 7, with Paul Finebaum warning that a loss could effectively end the Crimson Tide’s playoff hopes. “If Alabama loses this game, forget it,” he said, describing the stakes for Kalen DeBoer’s team.
Alabama reached last season’s playoff despite three losses, including one in the SEC Championship Game. Finebaum said that precedent may not help this year, pointing to the team’s nonconference schedule and the diminished value of its win over Florida State after the Seminoles fired coach Mike Norvell.
The Tide’s 45-17 win at Kentucky could carry more weight if the Wildcats keep winning. Kentucky leads the SEC standings and visits Tennessee on November 7. A Wildcats victory could strengthen Alabama’s result against them; a loss could weaken its value. Alabama itself lost 26-10 at Tennessee.
LSU also has playoff aspirations, despite losses to Ole Miss and Kentucky. Finebaum said the Tigers have a more favorable route because they still face Texas next week and visit Tennessee later in the season. He characterized LSU as having a narrow route forward after a loss, while Alabama would have none.
The Alabama-LSU game is one of the season’s major tests for both teams, with the result set to shape their remaining playoff prospects.