Paul Finebaum Names Major College Football Rivalry That's Lost Its Appeal

The Iron Bowl – the annual game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers – has history as one of the most storied rivalries in college football. Every November, it seems this game carries significant implications for the college football landscape.

Some memorable moments in college football history occurred recently. For instance, there was Cam Newton's 21-point comeback in 2010 that propelled the Tigers to the national championship. Then, there was the incredible Kick-Six in 2013, which assisted Auburn in reaching the national championship game. Finally, there was the improbable 4th and 31 touchdown completion that aided Alabama in winning last season and ultimately earning a College Football Playoff berth.

While this rivalry has been great for years, ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum believes that Nick Saban's arrival in Tuscaloosa took the luster away from the rivalry, as Alabama won 12 out of 17 games under Saban . Finebaum weighed in on the game on a recent episode of his show.

"I don't believe the Alabama-Auburn rivalry in any way compares to what it did 15 or 20 years ago," Finebaum said. "Nick Saban choked the life out of it. It became, 'well maybe we can beat them every two or three years' vs. what it was back in the 1970s, 80s, 90s and even up to the day that Saban got there."

If Finebaum is correct, the Tigers might have a new opportunity now that Saban has retired. He has been replaced by Kalen DeBoer, who led Washington to a 25-3 record over the last two seasons, including a national championship appearance in 2024.

If DeBoer can continue the success he had at Washington, it might not get easier anytime soon.

Related: College Football Expert Predicts The Next Big SEC Rivalry Unfolding In 2024