Paul Finebaum: Nick Saban has coached 'finest' season 'in his entire career'

It took a seven-game win streak and a convincing win against LSU, but Paul Finebaum is finally on board the Alabama bandwagon after the Crimson Tide advanced to 8-1 on the season Saturday.

The SEC analyst credited head coach Nick Saban for the success his team has had — and the immense improvements his team has made since losing to Texas during Week 2.

“Since that moment where Alabama was really humiliated down the stretcher against Texas, Nick Saban has coached his finest season — I think — in his entire career,” Finebaum said on SportsCenter on Sunday. “It has been absolutely virtuoso. It’s been brilliant. He has dialed up all the right moves, especially in the second half. His offense has, at times, struggled in the first half.

“But, Jalen Milroe — and by the way — we all remember he was benched for the third game of the year. Remember Tyler Buchner? That’s going to be a trivia question if Alabama wins the national championship, who started that second game? We all know it’s all about the defense. Nick Saban, we know he masterminds that, and kudos to him. It’s been absolutely amazing to watch.”

Milroe was masterful on Saturday against the Tigers, completing 15-of-23 passes for 219 yards throughout the 42-28 win. While he was unable to throw a touchdown pass during the contest — he more than made up for it on the ground boasting 20 carries for 155 yards and four touchdowns.

To put his production into perspective — Milroe’s 474 total yards of offense nearly eclipsed LSU’s team total of 478. His benching during Week 3 seems like a lifetime ago at this point.

The Crimson Tide now have three wins against teams ranked No. 17 or higher, which will go a long way in the eyes of the College Football Playoff selection committee. Alabama was ranked No. 8 before its victory over the No. 14 Tigers and is only expected to climb higher when the new rankings are released on Tuesday.

The win also keeps Alabama in first place in the SEC West, as a spot in the SEC Championship game — and a subsequent victory — should be more than enough to push the tide back to the CFP for the first time since 2021.

Now, Alabama turns its attention toward a Kentucky team that is 1-3 in its last four games. The opening kickoff is scheduled for Noon ET, and the Crimson Tide will be expected heavy favorites in Vegas as the lines open.