Paul Finebaum on which team has Cotton Bowl advantage with long layoff between games

Paul Finebaum has solidified his place as one of the most respected voices in the SEC, and with all eyes on the College Football Playoff semifinal matchup between Alabama and Cincinnati, the ESPN analyst has covered a wide array of storylines heading into the game.

On Monday, Finebaum was asked whether the Crimson Tide or Bearcats have the advantage with the long layoff between games.

“I think the advantage lies with Alabama,” Finebaum said. “They are the ones who went through the gauntlet of having to deal with everyone they have had to deal with. From LSU in November, to Arkansas to Auburn to Georgia … they needed some time off.”

Finebaum made it clear he believes the extra time favors Nick Saban.

“Also, time helps the better coaches,” Finebaum added. “And I don’t need to finish the statement here. Everyone knows what I’m about to say when you have Nick Saban as your head coach. I also think experience does matter, whether it’s coaches or players — having been in this situation, and Alabama was right here in this exact same stadium a year ago — that matters.

“Cincinnati has never been through anything like this before. I think as experienced as that team is and as well as they have played, the x factor is just Alabama having it engrained in them to play on big stages.”

Paul Finebaum discusses how assistant coach absences could impact Alabama

Heading into their matchup against Cincinnati, the Alabama Crimson Tide are without two of their top assistants. Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien and offensive line coach Doug Marrone both tested positive for COVID-19 and have yet to join the team in Dallas.

Finebaum was on the radio on Monday and was asked if those two being absent would have any effect on Alabama come game time. He said with the break between the SEC Championship and the CFP game, everything should remain the same for the Crimson Tide.

“I don’t think it’s going to be a factor,” Paul Finebaum said. “I think we are too deep into it. There’s too much time between the last game and this game for the coaches to be off the practice field for a couple of days to be a big issue.”

As the season has progressed, both O’Brien and Marrone have seen their two units improve. During the loss to Texas A&M, there was a lot of criticism thrown their way, especially for the first-half performance.

Flash forward to now and there is a Heisman Trophy winner in Bryce Young and the offensive line has been a big reason why. Everything came together against Georgia, effortlessly running through one of the best defenses in the country.

Getting both O’Brien and Marrone to Dallas will be a huge boost for Alabama on Dec. 31.

It’s no surprise that Paul Finebaum is all-in on the Alabama Crimson Tide.