Skip to main content
Join

Paul Finebaum believes two-loss Alabama is the ‘just call’ for CFP over 11-1 Indiana

Barkley-Truaxby:Barkley Truax•10/31/24•

BarkleyTruax

Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer, Indiana HC Curt Cignetti
Will McLelland | Imagn Images - Rich Janzaruk | Herald-Times | USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The College Football Playoffs are beginning to take shape heading into Week 10, and the margin for error at this point in the season is as slim as it gets.

For the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers, their last major hurdle of the season is thought to be against Ohio State on Nov. 23. Many predict the Buckeyes to come away with a victory there, which would mean Indiana could potentially be 11-1, and on the outside looking in when it comes to the Big Ten Championship.

CLICK HERE to go to PrizePicks and use code ON3 to receive a guaranteed $50 once you play $5 in lineups!

Factor in the fact that the Alabama Crimson Tide is a program with one of the best wins of the season against Georgia and is sitting right next to the Hoosiers on the bubble. Joining On3’s Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman, Paul Finebaum explained his position on what may happen if the CFP committee has to decide between Indiana and Alabama for an at-large bid into the field of 12.

“I think the call is Alabama, and it has everything to do with what they’ve accomplished,” Finebaum told Andy & Ari. “I mean, they have a Georgia win, which we all know. The win over Wisconsin is okay, not bad, but it’s better than a lot of other school’s non-conference games. And the win at LSU also matters to me.

Save $30 on your first month of Fubo by CLICKING HERE NOW!

For a limited time, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $49.99. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

“So, I mean, I just look at what Indiana has done, and we can all sing kumbaya about, you know, FIU and Western Illinois and going all the way and winning at UCLA and Charlotte. I mean, come on. … I don’t think, frankly, I don’t think it would be a close call. It’s a good question. I understand where you’re coming from, Ari, but no way that I would put Indiana in over Alabama.”

How can Indiana can help their case? Travel to Ohio State next month and beat the Buckeyes on their home turf. A win over Ohio State would presumedly send the Hoosiers to the Big Ten title game and even if they don’t win the conference championship, they may have a stronger case than what Finebaum believes.

That will be easier said than done, of course, and this scenario would also include the Crimson Tide having to win out. With Alabama six spots back from the top spot in the SEC standings, a conference title game is looking increasingly unlikely unless teams begin falling atop the conference.

Regardless, it will be interesting to see what the committee makes of the Hoosiers, who are still looking for their first win over a ranked opponent this season.