Paul Finebaum explains how difficult it will be to get two SEC teams in College Football Playoff

Coming into the 2023 season, there are several SEC schools looking to grab one of the limited College Football Playoff spots. However, analyst Paul Finebaum knows that grabbing one of those four spots is easier said than done.

During an appearance on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning, Finebaum explained why it’s so difficult to get two SEC teams into the Playoff.

“I think some of that depends on two games,” Paul Finebaum said. “One the first weekend. One the second weekend. If LSU can beat Florida State, they’ll have a slight cushion. I think the same goes for Alabama–Texas.”

Alabama and LSU will play each other later in the season, with the winner likely representing the SEC West in the conference title game. If either team loses early, there’s a lot of opportunity for a second loss that could hurt their chances to make the Playoff.

In the SEC East, Georgia is a heavy favorite. However, with a weak strength of schedule, a single loss could throw off their chances to make the Playoff.

“But Georgia doesn’t have a non-conference game that would really matter. So, Georgia can’t afford to lose to Tennessee. I think that’s been pretty well established. So, I think it probably is about — I favor Georgia to win the SEC, it’s going to come to the other side,” Finebaum said.

“I think the only way you get in losing the SEC Championship Game if you’re Alabama or LSU is if you’re undefeated.

The last time the SEC got multiple teams into the College Football Playoff was following the 2021 regular season. That year, Georgia beat Alabama to win its first national championship in the Kirby Smart era. The next year, the Big Ten got two schools in, both of which also think they are going to make another push at those limited spots this season.

Paul Finebaum on what a loss to Florida State would mean for LSU

A loss in the non-conference opener against Florida State wouldn’t end LSU’s season. However, Paul Finebaum did admit that the game should be a concerning one.

“I’m pretty concerned about that game. I don’t know any legitimate person — outside of some guy in the Bayou calling into your show or mine who’s screaming and hollering about how great they are — can feel confident going into that game,” Finebaum said.

“I think it puts a lot of heat on them. Unless Florida State just looks like Jameis Winston-led Florida State from 10 years ago, I think it’s going to be about LSU. I think the real problem for LSU with a loss is suddenly, the season gets very uncomfortable. The oxygen goes out. Why do I say that? Well, Mississippi State is around the corner in Starkville; you have Ole Miss not long after that in Oxford; you have the Alabama game.”