Greg McElroy on Alabama's CFP chances: 'There's definitely concerns'

Alabama had an uncharacteristic game in last week’s loss to Tennessee, allowing 52 points and committing 17 penalties en route to its first loss of the season. But one former Crimson Tide player hinted it could lead to bigger problems going forward.

ESPN analyst Greg McElroy appeared on “This Just In” with Max Kellerman and expressed his worries about his alma mater following the 52-49 loss at Neyland Stadium last week. When asked about whether there should be worries about Alabama’s College Football Playoff chances, McElroy pointed to the scoreboard as a reason why.

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“I don’t know how you can watch them give up 52 points in regulation and not feel like there’s concerns,” McElroy said. “There’s definitely concerns. There’s a lot of things to iron out. The one thing I would say about Alabama, if you use history as an example, dating back to 2011, they are 29-1 in the regular season following a loss, including winning three national championships and, of course, coming up as a runner-up in the national championship, as well.

“So I look at everything that this team has experienced up to this point, and I really believe that there are a lot of things that need to be ironed out. They have issues with penalties, they have issues in the secondary giving up big plays, they have not been very efficient passing the football and running the football on a very regular basis even though Bryce Young is amazing and Jahmyr Gibbs is amazing. The inconsistencies of the team have been troubling and going to difficult, hostile environments have been challenges, as well.”

Paul Finebaum explains why Alabama is on a ‘bad trajectory’ after Tennessee loss

Earlier Tuesday, Paul Finebaum appeared on ESPN’s “First Take” alongside Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim and discussed his concerns with the Crimson Tide, who committed 17 penalties in the 52-49 loss to Tennessee at Neyland Stadium. That’s the most penalties the Crimson Tide have committed in the Saban era, topping the mark previously set against Texas.

As a result, Finebaum called out Saban, especially since the defense also allowed 567 yards in addition to the 52 points.

“I saw a lot of troubling signs, Stephen A.,” Finebaum said, in part. “What I saw the most are a bad trajectory for Alabama. They’re going the wrong direction. I mentioned it earlier about the penalties, this is an undisciplined team, Stephen A. And if I can say this to you without you going apoplectic, this is not a well-coached team. I know who the coach is. He’s Nick Saban. But this is the third time this year he’s been out-maneuvered and out-coached by the other guy.