LIVE REPORT: Paul Finebaum Waves the White Flag on Alabama After ReliaQuest Bowl Collapse
Paul Finebaum, ESPN’s outspoken college football analyst, didn’t hold back on New Year’s Day morning following Alabama’s dismal performance in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Appearing on ESPN’s Get Up, Finebaum literally waved a white flag of surrender regarding Alabama’s exclusion from the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP)—a position he had passionately advocated for all season.
Finebaum’s Public Admission
Addressing host Mike Greenberg and former Alabama quarterback-turned-analyst Greg McElroy, Finebaum delivered a dramatic mea culpa:
“I led the Alabama parade to get them into the Playoff. I’ve stood on every building, especially on this show. On the first day of the new year, I’m surrendering. I am waving the white flag. Forget Alabama!”
With those words, Finebaum tossed a white flag to the side, symbolizing his frustration with a Crimson Tide team that failed to justify his fervent support.
Alabama’s Bowl Struggles
The 19-13 loss to Michigan at a rain-soaked Raymond James Stadium marked a low point for Alabama. Quarterback Jalen Milroe set the tone with three first-quarter turnovers, putting Alabama in an early hole they couldn’t climb out of.
Michigan, inspired and disciplined, capitalized on Alabama’s mistakes, while the Tide displayed a lack of focus and enthusiasm. The loss ended Alabama’s season at 9-4, snapping a streak of 16 consecutive 10-win seasons, a statistic that loomed large over first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer.
What Went Wrong?
Finebaum cited Alabama’s inability to rise to the occasion in a game that could have salvaged some pride after missing the CFP.
“Maybe it was Alabama’s abject failure to meet the moment on New Year’s Eve,” Finebaum said, referring to the turnovers and sloppy play that defined the game. “Or maybe it was Alabama’s general lack of enthusiasm for a bowl game that would’ve at least given them double-digit victories.”
A Turning Point for Alabama?
The loss, combined with Finebaum’s public surrender, adds pressure to a program grappling with its future under DeBoer. While Alabama’s defense showed promise, the offense’s inconsistency and an apparent lack of motivation in non-CFP games raise questions about the program’s trajectory.
As Finebaum’s dramatic gesture underscores, this season has left even Alabama’s staunchest supporters questioning what comes next for the once-dominant Crimson Tide.
