Alabama and Clemson have been as good as advertised through the first half of 2017. That being said, SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum isn’t sold on the Tigers just yet.
Paul Finebaum is one of the most infamous TV personalities in the country. His show, “The Paul Finebaum Show” is mainly centered around the Alabama Crimson Tide, but, covers all things college football.
Finebaum was a guest on ESPN’s First Take with Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman, Tuesday morning. At one point in the show, Smith asked Finebaum if the National Championship conversation begins and ends with Alabama and Clemson. Here’s what Finebaum had to say.
"If you told me could I take Alabama and Clemson, or the field, I would take the field. I think Alabama will be there, I’m still not sure Clemson will be, because at some point you run into someone."
There is certainly truth to what Finebaum is saying. Every team, no matter how dominant, runs up against a challenge. That being said, the latter-half of Clemson’s schedule offers no more potential challenges than Alabama’s.
Of the teams left on Clemson’s schedule, only NC State and – if we’re reaching – Florida State are potential challenges. Similarly, the only two teams left on Alabama’s schedule with the talent to test the Tide are, LSU and Auburn.
Finebaum went on to say, “At some point you do lose.” Ending his thoughts with, “It will happen. I don’t think it’ll happen to Alabama, but, it could happen to Clemson.”
Watch the full clip here.
Those are strong words for the Tide coming from a Tennessee grad. It’s no secret that Finebaum has an affinity for Alabama and reserves toward Clemson football. According to Tigernet, he recently told a Clemson caller, “Quit talking like you own college football.”
Next: 3 storylines to watch vs. Syracuse
It’ll be interesting to see how the rest of the season plays out for both Alabama and Clemson. Should the Tigers remain undefeated and the Tide lose, Finebaum will surely have something to say.