Paul Finebaum Identifies Head Coach Who Impressed At SEC Media Days

The 2024 SEC media days are coming to a close. The Arkansas Razorbacks, Texas A&M Aggies, Kentucky Wildcats and Auburn Tigers will conclude the event Thursday.

During this four-day event, media members from across the nation had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with each program in the SEC. One team generating a lot of buzz as a potential playoff contender in 2024 is the Missouri Tigers. After enduring four consecutive non-winning seasons, the Tigers surprised everyone by achieving an 11-2 record last season.

Paul Finebaum appeared on The Matt Barrie Show where he said that Tigers' head coach Eli Drinkwitz impressed him at SEC media days. He mentioned that Drinkwitz came in with a more professional approach, which could indicate that he is aware that he has a team capable of making some noise heading into the season.

"He has come in here like a clown before," Finebaum said. "Cracking jokes, calling media guys out. He was like right out of the Chamber of Commerce yesterday. He had the black suit and gold and black tie, just going out of his way to be boring. Finally, (he) cracked a joke or two but it was about media, it wasn't about him. When coaches do that, they know what they've got."

Finebaum stated that when coaches take a business-like approach, it signifies that they understand the importance of professionalism rather than being theatrical and are focused on "protecting the turf." That's why Finebaum insinuates that Missouri could be a team to look out for as a potential playoff team.

According to ESPN's Football Power Index , the Tigers are ranked as the No. 6 team in the SEC. The Index predicts a 9-3 season for the Tigers in 2024, giving them a 37.3% chance of making the College Football Playoff. It could be an exciting season in Columbia, Mo.

Related: Paul Finebaum Reveals SEC Contender He Has Little Faith In