Paul Finebaum Questions Kalen DeBoer's Readiness For Intense Pressure At Alabama

Kalen DeBoer is the new face of the Alabama program after Nick Saban's 17-year tenure leading the Crimson Tide.

DeBoer has big shoes to fill, as Saban created a dynasty in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide has won six national championships and has been a regular presence in the College Football Playoff. The one thing in DeBoer's favor is that he has always been successful no matter where he's been, whether at Sioux Falls, Fresno State or Washington.

However, according to ESPN's Paul Finebaum, DeBoer faces a new challenge with Alabama, as Finebaum believes Alabama fans are overvaluing DeBoer.

“I don’t want to sound like a Wall Street analyst, but I think they’re overvaluing him a little bit,” Finebaum said on GoJo and Golic . “It’s nothing against him. I’ll spare you guys the resume. Everyone knows that it’s impeccable."

Finebaum compared losing at Alabama to losing at Notre Dame years ago. He said that after a loss, the whole country is beside itself because of how accustomed to winning that program is. He concluded that he doesn't think DeBoer is ready for that kind of pressure.

“It’s a little bit like back in the day, maybe not quite as much now, but a Notre Dame loss on a Monday and the whole country is beside itself," Finebaum said. "It’s the same way at Alabama, except it’s a little more current because of Saban having just left. And I don’t think Kalen DeBoer’s prepared for that.”

Fortunately for DeBoer, the season hasn't started yet, so he hasn't had to experience what it's like at Alabama after a loss. The hope for him and his fans is that they won't have to find out this season.

Related: Paul Finebaum Reveals What Would Be A 'Disaster' Season For Kalen DeBoer, Alabama