Paul Finebaum discusses Kalen DeBoer's 'flawless beginning' as Alabama's head coach

Kalen DeBoer has a lot to live up to as Alabama’s new head coach, and while Paul Finebaum recognizes a victory over Western Kentucky won’t go far in convincing the world he’s the right man for the job, Week 1 was a positive for the Crimson Tide.

A new era was kickstarted with a 63-0 win for Alabama over Western Kentucky. DeBoer’s new-look Crimson Tide looked incredible on offense, racing out to a 42-0 lead before halftime, then calling the dogs off a bit in the second half.

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During an appearance on The Matt Barrie Show, Finebaum waxed poetic about the debut for DeBoer, even if he believes performances against the more difficult games on their schedule will hold more weight over the next couple of weeks.

“It was a pretty flawless beginning,” Finebaum said, regarding DeBoer. “Yeah, I mean, if you’re watching it down by down, you’re seeing things in the first half you don’t like, and you’re also, if you cover college football like we do, the first game against Western Kentucky, it doesn’t make any difference. It’s just a process.

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“The fact Nick Saban was there may have been the biggest surprise to me. I mean, I figured Saban would show up when he had to, but he and Miss Terry. … Maybe he was just glad to get away from [Pat] McAfee. But, you know, the game was pretty meaningless, other than the fact that it’s the first game. But I remember 17 years ago, I stood there, I was there until midnight against Western Carolina. I mean, these are moments in time that when you cover college football that you make note of, and we won’t ever mention this game again.”

It’s tough to disagree with Finebaum. Alabama did exactly what they needed to do against Western Kentucky, but now it’ll be up to the Crimson Tide to keep the momentum rolling against USF and Wisconsin, before an all-important clash with Georgia in Week 4.

Moreover, the part of the game that impressed Alabama fans and media members alike was the play of quarterback Jalen Milroe, and wide receiver Ryan Williams. Milroe only passed the ball nine times, but he threw for 200 yards and three touchdowns on seven completion.

Williams was even more efficient. He caught two passes, but both went for long touchdowns, and he accumulated 139 yards in the process, as well.

Time will tell if Kalen DeBoer can keep up the goodwill, but Week 1 was an awesome afternoon for the Crimson Tide, and if that’s how his time in Tuscaloosa goes, he’ll be more than fine.