Paul Finebaum identifies biggest storyline for SEC Media Days

Talking season is right around the corner, as SEC Media Days kick off next week starting on Monday, July 17. The conference’s coaches and top players will convene in Nashville, Tennessee where the hottest topics of the offseason and the upcoming 2023 season will be discussed.

SEC Network host Paul Finebaum joined ESPN’s Matt Barie to discuss the upcoming season, and asked Finebaum what he believes will be the biggest storyline of SEC Media Days.

“I think once you push Kirby Smart‘s situation off the table, which I think it will be handled within five minutes, it is what happens next with Nick Saban and can he hold serve against Brian Kelly,” Finebaum said.

There’s no question that Smart will be asked about some of the numerous off-the-field incidents that have loomed over Georgia’s offseason, but how will Saban or Kelly address their newfound rivalry?

Saban has secured 15 SEC West Division titles in his career, representing the SEC West in the conference championship from 2012-2018 until LSU ended the streak in 2019, which they followed with a national championship win.

Alabama tried to get another streak going starting in 2020, but it came to an abrupt ending when Kelly and the Tigers knocked off the Crimson Tide last season in an overtime thriller at home in Kelly’s first season at the helm.

“Matt, a lot of pundits, which is essentially what media day is, is about LSU having moved into that position. I don’t buy it, I think Alabama’s still very strong,” Finebaum said. “I think the LSU-Alabama game being in Tuscaloosa matters a lot in favor of the Crimson Tide.”

The 71-year-old Saban is entering his 28th season as a collegiate head coach and his 17th for the Crimson Tide. Two regular season losses by a combined four points resulted in one of the few seasons that he did not make the SEC Championship or the College Football Playoffs last year.

But many are wondering if he’ll be able to bounce back this upcoming season, or if the SEC West torch should now be passed over to Kelly.

“But what if we’re wrong? What if Brian Kelly has really already changed the dynamics in such a short period of time?” Finebaum asked. “So I’m focused, as I usually am, on Saban but this is without a doubt one of the most intriguing media days with Nick Saban that we’ve ever had.”