Paul Finebaum explains if Alabama's season is a success with win over Oklahoma in CFP

ESPN’s Paul Finebaum explained that Alabama would have a successful season, as long as they beat Oklahoma in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Under Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide were pretty much national title or bust every year.

After missing the CFP in Year 1 under Kalen DeBoer, they’re in now, despite a 10-3 record and SEC runner-up finish. But after losing to the Sooners earlier this year, Alabama can get some payback in the first round in Norman. So, Finebaum was asked if a quarterfinal appearance, at a minimum, is a quality season for the Tide.

“I would,” Finebaum said on McElroy and Cubelic. “To me, it was about the playoffs, but what you don’t want to do is end the season with two straight losses, albeit it against two top teams and have another four loss season, which is probably going to happen anyway, but a win here would be very significant. I think most people, we’ll find out very, very quickly, are still reasonably happy with Kalen DeBoer. He accomplished the mission, beating Oklahoma would solidify that. Now I realize some Alabama fans are saying, ‘What am I hearing? When is Alabama content to do this or that?’ 

“Well, this is a process. This is not Nick Saban here where a national championship game loss felt like the end of the world. This is a completely different world we’re living in. And I would completely concur with you. Greg on that.”

DeBoer knows the challenge in front of Alabama. Considering the Tide lost at home and now have to go on the road, there’s pressure to deliver. But all things considered, if Alabama wins, why can’t they go on a run?

“Important day for our program, getting a chance to have a berth in the CFP, the playoffs here,” DeBoer said. “Just something our guys have been working for, going back, really, the beginning of January, so 11 months, and the work paying off and everything we did this season leading to this opportunity. Obviously, a team that we know well with Oklahoma, one that came here. Obviously, it was a battle. It was a physical game and came out on the wrong side. 

“But looking forward to third meeting in less than two years, really just probably 12 or 13 months. And so, each team knows what to expect, know each other well, and I know it’ll be a hard-fought game.”