"I don't think this team is good enough": Paul Finebaum downplays chances of Kalen DeBoer's Alabama clinching a CFP spot

It's a new era for Alabama under head coach Kalen DeBoer. After 17 seasons, Nick Saban announced his retirement following the 2023 season. DeBoer was brought in from Washington as Saban's successor. Now he has the responsibility of carrying forward Crimson Tide's legacy that the 7x national champ built during his stint.

Kalen DeBoer had a great second season with the Washington Huskies last year. He was successful in leading them to an undefeated Pac-12 championship and a spot in the national finals. They lost the natty game to the Michigan Wolverines, ending their hopes of lifting the trophy.

Despite having a great track record, college football analyst Paul Finebaum does not have a lot of faith in Kalen DeBoer's Alabama debut. During a recent appearance on ESPN's 'First Take', Finebaum said the Crimson Tide are not strong enough to win a national championship this upcoming season. He also talked about the difficulty of their schedule and their playoff contention.

"It's a really simple answer," Finebaum said. "I don't think this team is good enough. Nick Saban himself told you a couple of weeks ago one of their deficiencies is in the defensive secondary. That's on him. That's what he used to coach, and he lost his best player, or Kalen DeBoer did, to Ohio State in Caleb Downs.

"I think they're challenged. I think the schedule is overwhelming. I think they can make the playoffs, but they are not going to win the national championship without Nick Saban. Not yet, at least."

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Kalen DeBoer names biggest concern heading into first season with the Crimson Tide

After the team's first scrimmage with a new head coach at the Bryant-Denny Stadium, DeBoer came forward to talk about his concerns and problem points that could hamper the team's natty dream this upcoming season.

He said the health of the players is one of the biggest concerns that the team needs to take care of.

"Again, I feel good where we're at. This will be our biggest scrimmage. This will be the most plays that we run. Next week we'll have a scrimmage too, but it won't be quite as many, it'll be solid. But just being healthy. We need all the reps."

It will be interesting to see if Kalen DeBoer can replicate the success he had with Washington last year and help the Crimson Tide to its first national championship since 2020.