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

Despite its 6-1 record, Alabama has had its struggles this year, notably with penalties. That came to a head last week when the Crimson Tide fell to Tennessee in a game marred with flags — and Paul Finebaum said Nick Saban’s group is on a bad path.

Finebaum apperaed 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.

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“I saw a lot of troubling signs, Stephen A.,” Finebaum said. “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.

“Alabama could easily — easily — have lost three games. It took a last-second field goal against Texas, it took a stop against [Texas] A&M and we saw what happened Saturday. This is the wrong way, and this team is missing on all cylinders. The offensive line is weak, the defensive secondary — where Nick Saban coaches, Stephen A. — got burned repeatedly in that game. You saw that. I don’t know where it’s going. It’s not over. They still have a path. They still have Nick Saban. But you tell me, how does he come out of this right now?”

Now, Alabama has to get ready to face another high-powered offense when Mississippi State makes its way to Bryant-Denny Stadium Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. ET.