Finebaum on CFP: “I’m leaning back to Alabama”

Paul Finebaum admits he doesn’t have a good answer for what the College Football Playoff committee thinks, but he knows which way he’s leaning.

“I’m leaning back toward Alabama because I know they’re capable of beating good teams,” Finebaum told Matt Barrie on Sunday. “I’d rather field a team with weaknesses that can beat a good team like Georgia than just field someone because they got a win over the No. 23 team in the country.”

Jalen Milroe passed for 256 yards and ran for 104 yards and three touchdowns to lead No. 13 Alabama to a 28-14 victory over Auburn on Saturday, keeping the Crimson Tide’s playoff hopes alive.

It was the last chance for Alabama (9-3, 5-3 SEC, No. 13 CFP) to make a statement in Kalen DeBoer’s tumultuous debut season. Losses to Vanderbilt, Oklahoma and Tennessee have left things shaky for the Tide, even with a win over Georgia.

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The Tide will have to wait and see how the chase plays out, but the team may have gotten a boost when CFP No. 12 Clemson (lost to South Carolina 17-14) – which plays SMU for the ACC Championship – and No. 6 Miami ( lost) went to Syracuse 42-38) both lost.

“What fascinates me about South Carolina is the beating that Ole Miss gave them,” Finebaum said. “I know it’s been weeks and weeks, but it’s hard to say.”

Plus, South Alabama lost to Alabama, even if it was a fluke, he said.

In the end, Finebaum believes three SEC teams will make it to the CFP.

“The problem with Alabama, Ole Miss and South Carolina is that there is no compelling argument,” he explained. Let’s think like a committee member: If we include Alabama and start this debate, we leave out all three.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard daily from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile app.