Paul Finebaum reveals how he feels about Alabama heading into LSU game

Alabama will face a monstrous task against LSU this weekend. However, Paul Finebaum doesn’t believe that task will be too heavy for the Crimson Tide to bear.

“I do like what what we’ve seen from Alabama,” Finebaum said. “Alabama has shown resiliency in beating Ole Miss, [Texas] A&M and Tennessee or you can find fault with that. To me, the game that stands out is the Ole Miss game because I really believe Ole Miss is a cut above those other two.

“A&M is good but seriously flawed. Tennessee is good. I think this is exactly what we thought it would be in the offseason. It’s the game of the year in the SEC West, at least. And I feel, on Monday, pretty good about Alabama.”

Finebaum’s confidence is well-founded. Alabama has won six straight games since falling to Texas in Week 2. Moreover, the team will enter Saturday’s contest well-rested after enjoying a bye last week.

Not only will Alabama be well-rested for its matchup against LSU, it will also be motivated. LSU handed Alabama its second loss of the season last year in a 32-31 overtime thriller. The loss ruined the Crimson Tide’s chances of reaching the College Football Playoff.

They will carry that feeling into Saturday’s matchup. However, Alabama can’t rely on its passion alone.

“The one advantage for Alabama is that, unlike against even Ole Miss, Tennessee and A&M, they’re not playing a seriously good defensive team,” Saban said. “They were able to withstand the punches from all three of those but they are facing the best offense in the country. I think that has to make the defensive side of the ball very concerned.”

Alabama will face an offensive barrage

LSU boasts the best offense in the country, averaging 552.9 yards and 47.4 points per game. The Tigers average 120 more passing yards per outing than the Crimson Tide. Additionally, LSU converts on 57.8% of its third-down attempts, the highest conversion rate in the nation.

Nonetheless, the Tigers’ defense is poor. It allows 26.5 points per game, ranking in the bottom half of FBS. Of course, defense isn’t as vital when a team can rattle off produce points at will. Finebaum knows Alabama must set the tone early against the Tigers.

“It is a momentum game,” Finebaum said. “Alabama cannot start like it did against Tennessee because this is a bunch that will blow you out. They’re capable of it. I think that the trend lines seem to point toward Alabama.”

The two teams will square off at 7:45 p.m. ET on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on CBS.