Paul Finebaum Predicts 'Disaster' If SEC Power Doesn't Make College Football Playoff

This college football season marks the beginning of a new era. With the expansion of the College Football Playoff, conference realignment and the retirement of Nick Saban, arguably the greatest coach of all time, significant changes have been made this offseason.

Saban retired after leading the Alabama Crimson Tide to what once seemed like an improbable College Football Playoff run. He was replaced by Kalen DeBoer, the head coach of the Washington Huskies, who had just led the Huskies to an undefeated regular season and a national championship berth.

ESPN's Paul Finebaum said that despite Saban retiring, it would be a disaster if the Crimson Tide didn't make the expanded playoff.

"Not getting into the playoffs would be a disaster in my estimation," Finebaum said.

The Crimson Tide may be ranked in the top five in the preseason when the AP Top 25 is revealed next week. According to ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI), they are also predicted to finish with a 9-3 record and be ranked No. 3 in the SEC.

Alabama has consistently participated in the College Football Playoff since it began in 2014, so missing out could be deemed a "disaster," as Finebaum put it. Alabama has the 7th best odds to make the CFP, so the expectations are still there even with Saban out the door.

Related: Paul Finebaum Reveals How Many SEC Teams Will Make College Football Playoff