Paul Finebaum believes Alabama might be scared of what Texas A&M is becoming.
Not long before it became Nick Saban vs. Jimbo Fisher for all the college football world to see, Paul Finebaum may have revealed why the Alabama head coach could feel threatened by what Texas A&M is doing these days on the recruiting trails.
In response to a caller on The Paul Finebaum Show from Monday afternoon, the esteemed ESPN college football analyst/popular radio host peeled back the curtain to best explain why Saban has been so concerned about parity of late, despite leading the preeminent power of the sport today.
Again, Finebaum’s thoughts on Alabama/Texas A&M came two days before Saban spoke on the issue publicly on Wednesday evening and 2.5 days before Fisher called for an impromptu press conference for the ages on Thursday morning.
Here is what Finebaum said on his radio program on Monday afternoon about the issues Saban could have with what Texas A&M is doing of late.
"“I think you’re right,” said Finebaum Monday on The Paul Finebaum Show. “Since the day A&M arrived, there’s been a whispering fear about what would happen if they ever got it right because — this is just my opinion, but there’s only one school in the country I think that can compete with A&M from a financial standpoint and that’s Texas.”"
Finebaum added that Texas could potentially become another recruiting behemoth in short order.
"“Those two are standalones when it comes to ability and resources, and this is a money game right now that we’re talking about here,” continued Finebaum. “I think, when you hear the Sabans of the world complaining, that’s why he’s saying what he’s saying.”"
Alabama will host Texas A&M at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Saturday, Oct. 8.
Paul Finebaum thinks Alabama, Nick Saban might be worried about Texas A&M
Since his second season in Tuscaloosa some 14 years ago, Saban has had Alabama humming at a level exceeding the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant era. Though other SEC teams have won national titles since 2008 (Florida, Auburn, LSU, Georgia), guess who has been in the mix throughout the last 15 college seasons? Texas A&M has been good since joining the SEC in 2012, but never great.
Where Saban seems to be most concerned over Texas A&M’s emergence in recruiting during the NIL era is Alabama cannot compete with the deep pockets of boosters in The Lone Star State. Once Texas joins the conference in due time, it could be an arms race in-state, while the rest of the SEC will have to adjust accordingly. Getting outbid for top flight talent is not landing well with him.
For years, people have speculated over what will be the eventual demise of the Saban era of Alabama football. Some believed it would be coaching attrition, which played a big part in the Pete Carroll era of USC football fizzling out over a decade ago. However, it seems as though recruiting and NIL will level the playing field a bit, meaning Alabama will no longer be as strong and powerful.
Ultimately, Saban’s big gripe is two of his most notable proteges might be about to overtake him. Until last season, he had never lost to a disciple. Fate would have it, both of his losses came to noted disciples in Fisher during the regular season and Georgia’s Kirby Smart during the national title. Georgia has arrived, but plays in the other division. Texas A&M does call the SEC West home.
Fighting a war on two NIL fronts might be what eventually knocks Alabama down a peg or two.
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