Paul Finebaum explains what another win over Nick Saban would do for the perception of Brian Kelly

Brian Kelly has already gotten a lot done during his 22 games at the helm at LSU. However, this weekend could be the next step for him depending on what the Tigers do against Alabama according to Paul Finebaum.

Finebaum spoke about the perception of Kelly during ‘McElroy and Cubelic In The Morning’ on Monday. Two wins over Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide in his two years in the SEC would, in Finebaum’s mind, take Kelly to another level as a coach in the league considering how few people have that box checked off on their resume.

“Well, I feel very good about him anyway. But, yeah, the pool of coaches who have beaten Nick Saban twice is very small,” said Finebaum. “We know who those are. There’s only about two names, I think, in that grouping. So it would put him in a rarified air.”

Finebaum also sees it as a turning point for LSU’s season. After a 3-2 start, plenty of people weren’t pleased with the Tigers or their performances. Since then, similar to last season, they’ve picked up three straight wins. Now, with a win in Tuscaloosa, they could take the lead in the SEC West.

“It would also completely turn the season’s perception around for him,” Finebaum said. “There were some doubters a few weeks ago when they already had two losses and were down double digits to Missouri. He has done a nice job of pulling this thing out.”

If Kelly wants to truly plant his flag, a second straight win over Saban is the way to do it. Doing so on the road is a challenge but, considering it’s not the top-notch Crimson Tide teams of the past, it’s a chance that Finebaum doesn’t think Kelly can afford to pass up.

“I think it’s a big opportunity for him as well,” said Finebaum. “I’ll try not to sound like the fan at the end of the bar but I’m not sure that Alabama will be as gettable next year and the year after as it is this year. So, if you’re ever going to come into Bryant-Denny Stadium, other than having Joe Burrow as your quarterback? This is pretty much the moment for him.”

Alabama vs. LSU odds: Early point spread released on Crimson Tide, Tigers

Seemingly every season, the SEC West comes down to Alabama vs. LSU. In what has become one of the conference’s staple games, the two historic programs will once again face off in Tuscaloosa this weekend. Both teams have been playing good football as of late, setting up for what should be an incredible matchup.

Even if there are people predicting LSU to win throughout the week, though, the oddsmakers are not going to bet against the Crimson Tide.

According to FanDuel, Alabama is a 4.5-point favorite heading into Saturday’s game. Rarely do you even find a Nick Saban team go into a game as an underdog. This contest will be no different.

The over/under is at 58.5 points.