Paul Finebaum Reveals Critical Game Could Define Alabama's Season

The Alabama Crimson Tide has been a consistent presence in the College Football Playoff since its inception in 2014, largely due to being led by arguably the greatest coach of all time, Nick Saban.

Saban is no longer present, and Kalen DeBoer, the former head coach of the Washington Huskies, has taken over. DeBoer has an impressive coaching record in college and recently led the Huskies to the national championship game.

The expectations still remain high. ESPN's Paul Finebaum believes that if the Crimson Tide are going to make it back to the playoffs, it will all come down to a game in Knoxville, Tenn., against the Tennessee Volunteers.

"I think it's October 19th at Tennessee," Finebaum said. "That is probably the game that propels Alabama into the playoffs with a win, not automatically. I think the Georgia game is problematic. I think Tennessee, LSU, Missouri, somewhere in there, Oklahoma, it's hard to imagine them getting out of that completely unscathed."

Finebaum stated that quarterback Jalen Milroe is the key to Alabama's success. He mentioned that while Milroe's great plays are for the record books, he needs to avoid mistakes for the Crimson Tide to be successful.

Milroe threw for 2,834 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only six interceptions with a 65.8% completion percentage. He also ran for 531 yards and 12 touchdowns. Last year, he fumbled the ball three times, losing possession on two of those occasions.

So, if Alabama can minimize turnovers and win the game at Tennessee, Finebaum believes the Crimson Tide could return to the playoff.

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