Paul Finebaum discusses dynamic of relationship between Nick Saban, Kirby Smart

Paul Finebaum has solidified his place as one of the top voices for the SEC and the ESPN analyst often has behind-the-scenes insight into the inner-workings of the top conference in college football.

Following the Georgia Bulldogs‘ triumph over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the national title game, Finebaum was asked about the current relationship between Nick Saban and Kirby Smart.

“They were very close, but I don’t believe these two are close anymore,” Finebaum said. “But that doesn’t mean much. I’ve left places 5 or 6 years ago, and I still consider people there friends. We just aren’t close because we live in different communities. And they are fierce competitors. It’s hard to be close to someone when you are the two or three best and you’re competing for something. There’s such a significant age difference, too.”

When asked specifically about the reaction from Saban when shaking hands with Smart after the loss, Paul Finebaum chalked it up to theatrics.

“It’s not quite Oscar season, but that was an Oscar winning performance,” Finebaum joked. “Because he understood the stage. Saban, unlike some people, knows it’s important how you appear in victory, and especially in defeat. And he handled that moment better than anyone has before.”

Paul Finebaum calls Thibodeaux ‘insane’ for Alabama comments

Finebaum was one of the many pushing back against Kayvon Thibodeaux for the disparaging comments the star made against Alabama education. In an appearance on The Opening Kickoff on WNSP 105.5 FM, Finebaum stated Thibodeaux’s comments were “insane.”

“That’s completely insane,” Paul Finebaum said, regarding the Oregon star’s remarks. “I’m not saying this because I have a strong allegiance to Alabama, but I know the university well. I’ve lectured there. I’ve been on the campus a million times. That is a very good academic school.

“This isn’t the Alabama Joe Namath left Beaver Falls, Pa., to go there because he could ‘major in basket weaving.’ This is an elite university that is not easy to get into anymore if you are an out-of-state student. The highest level of scholarship at Alabama rivals many of the top schools in the country. I found that argument really lame and stupid.”

In propping up Oregon, Thibodeaux took shots at the education he would’ve received if he played for the Crimson Tide. After making the comments to FOX’s Joel Klatt, the college football analyst realized he should’ve pushed back against the Ducks pass-rusher.

“No excuses. Should’ve pushed back!” tweeted Klatt. “Fact is a University of Alabama education is very good.”

Evidently, Klatt regrets letting Thibodeaux take the aforementioned point of view. After listening to the Oregon star’s comments, it’s tough not to see why it would be viewed as controversial.

Paul Finebaum knows that Thibodeaux is wrong in his sentiment, and it’s been tough to find someone to agree with the Ducks star in recent days. While Thibodeaux believes his Oregon education is far superior than one he would’ve received at Alabama, his remarks come off as ignorant, at best.