Paul Finebaum calls Kalen DeBoer’s Alabama debut a ‘flawless beginning’

Paul Finebaum was notably intrigued by how Alabama would look with Karen DeBoer leading the way following the Nick Saban era.

The Crimson Tide began 2024 with a dominant 63-0 win over Western Kentucky in which they led 42-0 at halftime, and Finebaum certainly took notice.

“It was a pretty flawless beginning,” Fineubaum said.

Joining Matt Barrie, Finebaum went on to say that he was perhaps most surprised that the aforementioned Saban was in attendance at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

“The fact that Nick Saban was there may have been the biggest surprise to me,” the ESPN commentator said. “I figured he would show up when he had to, but he and Miss Terry were there.”

Finebaum did emphasize that a win over Western Kentucky ‘doesn’t make any difference’ and is just a part of the overall process of DeBoer implementing his culture.

The Crimson Tide finished with 600 yards of offense in the win, with quarterback Jalen Milroe completing just 7 passes for a whopping 200 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Hilltoppers were held to just 42 yards on the ground as the Alabama defensive front dominated all night.

DeBoer & Co. welcome South Florida to Tuscaloosa on Saturday, looking to avenge the upset scare the Bulls gave the Tide in Tampa last fall.