You gotta hand it to Paul Finebaum and his weird takes. Remember back when he asked, “Where is Kalen DeBoer?” during the conference days implying that Nick Saban was somehow overshadowing DeBoer and his team. A guy who took a failing team like Sioux Falls to 3 championship wins and also has made Michael Penix a Heisman winner, doubting someone like that just comes off as weird. The crown that Nick Saban once held was given to DeBoer because he has the skills. Even Joel Klatt had mentioned on The Next Round Live, “This guy (DeBoer) wins at an insanely high level everywhere.” Yet here we are with Finebaum throwing another jab at DeBoer.

With the 2024 season right around the corner, the AP preseason polls are out and Alabama stands on No.5. Finebaum had only one thing to say on ESPN Get Up, “They’re slightly overrated. I still think they’re a playoff team, but they are on the cut line.” While being No.5 ain’t that bad for DeBoer and the Tides, this still is the lowest the team has ever been ranked since 2009. However, this poll means nothing. You gotta look at how Bama has changed ever since DeBoer took over the camp. Saban’s retirement did cause some players to leave Tides, however, they still managed to gain 29 starts. This is a major increase from the previous 17 starts. Not only that, DeBoer also managed to pull in top talents like Ty Haywood and Caleb Cunningham on the team. The team is now an offensive powerhouse. As Klatt had mentioned, “Alabama has the 2 best offensive lines in the country.”

And if you think that DeBoer has not done anything for defense, then you’re dead wrong. Back on August 1st, DC Kane Wommack during an interview said that Bama’s defense was being handled by Keon Sabb and Malachi Moore. Sabb was Michigan’s ace last year and led the team to the championship while Moore is one of the most senior players and the only one who returned after Nick Saban’s retirement. Moore, with his experience playing under Saban, is a vital asset and can guide Alabama’s defense easily. However, DeBoer would probably take away the cup with his ace.

Jalen Milroe

Back when Emory Hunt mentioned that Jalen Milroe is “the best QB Prospect,” he wasn’t lying. With DeBoer as the HC, Milroe has already shown a massive increase in his overall accuracy. With DeBoer’s offensive playbook, Milroe could connect to his athletic and powerful style, resulting in a solid combination. The improvement was quite noticeable when Jalen Milroe landed a 50-yard touchdown back on August 10th.

Hell, even Paul Finebaum had mentioned back in the day that Milroe could carry Alabama to the playoffs under DeBoer. Finebaum had even mentioned that Milroe could become a Heisman winner or finalist as well. The main issue that Milroe showcased last year was his lack of time to throw. With the scrimmage, it seems that has improved quite a lot. Pretty sure Bama fans cannot wait to see the kid rock up the field this year.