Finebaum calls Lane Kiffin desperate for an Ole Miss CFP bid and still likes Alabama

Paul Finebaum criticized Lane Kiffin on Monday for advocating for Ole Miss’ inclusion in the College Football Playoff against Alabama, while the SEC Network analyst doubled down on the Crimson Tide for the CFP.

“Well, I jumped around all over the place with Alabama, South Carolina and Ole Miss, but in the end I think Alabama definitely has the better resume,” Finebaum said during his weekly appearance on “McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning” on 94.5 -FM WJOX in Birmingham. “We know South Carolina is playing better today, and I don’t think Ole Miss is even in the conversation.

“And you can see Lane Kiffin’s desperation in what he said yesterday. So, I mean, I think Alabama is going to be on that line whether they’re inside or outside, whether they take a break next week, I mean, they took a couple of breaks this week, with this past weekend. A few more could have gone their way when Georgia lost and maybe what started at Vanderbilt, but at the end of the day I think they’re going to have to put in the effort by Sunday at noon.”

On Sunday, Finebaum said he was “attracted” to Alabama “because I know they’re capable of beating good teams,” he said. “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.”

While South Carolina was in the discussion, Finebaum said a head-to-head matchup had to play a role. The Tide defeated the Gamecocks 27-25 earlier this season.

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.