Paul Finebaum says Alabama in danger vs. Tennessee, calls for DEFCON 1

ESPN personality Paul Finebaum has No. 3 Alabama on high alert this weekend on the ‘Third Saturday in October,’ with No. 6 Tennessee posing a serious, serious threat to Nick Saban‘s juggernaut in this year’s annual Alabama-Tennessee game.

Alabama has won 15 straight in the series, but ESPN’s College GameDay is headed to Knoxville, Tenn., and the atmosphere should be downright electric for Tennessee.

“They’re in big danger,” Finebaum told ESPN’s Max Kellerman on Wednesday. “And if Bryce Young either doesn’t play or is ineffective, how about DEFCON 1? Alabama cannot win this game without Bryce Young, he’s that critical. We saw that last week.”

Young was sidelined Saturday by an AC sprain in his right shoulder that Saban noted could get worse due to overuse. The Crimson Tide were able to survive with backup quarterback Jalen Milroe, but it certainly wasn’t comfortable.

Finebaum noted that 24-20 scare against the Texas A&M Aggies as one of his reasons for having Alabama on definite upset alert this weekend.

“We’re talking about the A&M game, it took a last-second, final-play-of-the-game stop by the Alabama defense to beat a team that they were a three-touchdown favorite over who had already lost a couple of times this year, including to Appalachian State,” Finebaum said. “The stakes are different. Knoxville is a very difficult, hostile environment, and Hendon Hooker possibly the best quarterback in the country.”

Bryce Young’s availability a massive factor in Alabama-Tennessee game

There’s little doubt about Finebaum’s summation Alabama needs Young available for this game.

Milroe was passable last week, but it’s clear the Crimson Tide offense operates at a completely different level with its veteran signal-caller taking the snaps. And now that there’s more tape out there on Milroe, it’ll likely be even easier for opponents to begin scheming to take away his strengths (primarily as a runner).

Young, on the other hand, has proven he can handle virtually everything thrown at him.

In five games this year Young has gone 90-of-134 passing for 1,202 yards with 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He’s also added 154 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

Milroe has posted respectable numbers, going 28-of-46 passing for 262 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions. As noted, he’s been a bit more of a threat on the ground, having run for 246 yards and a touchdown in more limited action than Young.

Still, Finebaum believes the Crimson Tide are in trouble with him on Saturday.

Alabama and Tennessee are slated for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff on Saturday on CBS.