Paul Finebaum named three major SEC teams as “flawed,” citing inconsistencies and challenges during their recent seasons.

In the world of college football, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) is often considered the gold standard. With its combination of historical success, elite coaching, and a long-standing tradition of producing NFL-caliber talent, the SEC is consistently at the forefront of college football’s national conversation. However, even the most storied programs can face challenges, and the 2024 season was no exception for some of the conference’s biggest teams.

Paul Finebaum, a respected analyst and commentator with deep ties to SEC football, has long been known for his candid opinions and sharp insights into the conference’s dynamics. Recently, Finebaum made waves when he named three major SEC teams as “flawed,” highlighting the issues that these programs faced during the 2024 season. These flaws, according to Finebaum, were not just minor setbacks but significant hurdles that affected the overall success of these teams. The teams he singled out were powerhouses that had traditionally been among the best in the SEC, but their inconsistencies and challenges in the 2024 season stood out as they competed for supremacy in the nation’s most competitive conference.

This article will take a deep dive into Finebaum’s remarks, exploring the flaws he identified in these major SEC programs. We’ll examine the specific issues that led to these teams’ struggles, how they impacted their seasons, and what this means for their future in the SEC. We’ll also take a broader look at the SEC landscape, analyzing how these struggles may signal a shift in the balance of power within the conference.

The SEC: The Gold Standard of College Football

The SEC has long been regarded as the best conference in college football. The league boasts a rich history of national championships, All-American players, and NFL talent that constantly emerges from its ranks. Schools like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Auburn have established themselves as perennial powerhouses, often dominating the national conversation in both recruiting and on-field performance. Additionally, the SEC is known for its physical style of play, a deep roster of elite athletes, and an unmatched intensity, especially when it comes to rivalries and high-stakes games.

The dominance of SEC teams is not a fluke. For decades, the league has produced some of the most iconic teams in college football history. Alabama’s dynasty under Nick Saban, Georgia’s recent rise to prominence, and LSU’s remarkable championship run in 2019 are just a few examples of how the SEC has managed to stay at the top. As a result, the SEC has become a measuring stick for success in college football, and teams across the country aspire to compete at the level that these powerhouse programs have set.

However, as with any league, even the SEC is not immune to flaws. The competitive nature of the conference means that even top teams will experience down seasons, and at times, a program’s strengths may be overshadowed by weaknesses that are exposed throughout the year. In his recent analysis, Paul Finebaum pointed out that three major SEC teams exhibited significant flaws that hindered their performances in 2024, despite their storied histories and rosters full of talent.

The Flawed Teams: Who Did Finebaum Name?

The three teams that Finebaum singled out for being “flawed” in 2024 were no strangers to success. These teams had all previously established themselves as top-tier programs within the SEC, with rich traditions and championship aspirations. Let’s break down the specific teams Finebaum identified and the issues that led to their struggles in 2024.

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama, under the leadership of Nick Saban, has long been a dominant force in college football. With six national championships since 2009 and a reputation for building NFL-caliber rosters year after year, the Crimson Tide have become synonymous with excellence. However, in 2024, even this powerhouse had its flaws exposed.

Finebaum’s biggest criticism of Alabama was the inconsistency at the quarterback position. After the departure of Bryce Young to the NFL, Alabama struggled to find a reliable signal-caller. Jalen Milroe, the presumed starter, showed flashes of brilliance but also made critical mistakes that kept him from solidifying his role as the team’s leader. The inconsistency at quarterback led to a lack of offensive flow, which hampered the team’s ability to score points consistently against SEC competition.

Additionally, Alabama’s defense, traditionally its greatest strength, wasn’t as dominant as in years past. While still one of the best units in the conference, the defense had lapses, particularly in games against high-powered offenses like Tennessee and LSU. The inability to stop big plays at crucial moments and the struggle to adjust to newer offensive schemes were notable flaws in their season.

Lastly, Alabama’s overall team chemistry and leadership were also questioned. While Saban is known for his ability to motivate players and create a winning environment, there were signs that the team was not as cohesive as in previous seasons. The lack of a clear leader on offense and a few key players missing time due to injuries or suspensions led to some cracks in the foundation.

2. LSU Tigers

LSU has been one of the SEC’s most storied programs, with a history of success both under former head coach Les Miles and current coach Brian Kelly. After a strong 2023 season that saw the Tigers return to national prominence, expectations were high for 2024. However, Finebaum pointed out several flaws that impacted LSU’s chances of competing for a national championship.

The biggest issue for LSU in 2024 was its defense. Historically known for its swarming, physical defensive units, LSU’s defense underperformed in key moments, particularly in games against elite SEC offenses. The secondary, once a strength, struggled to contain top wide receivers, and the defensive front failed to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback. This led to some frustrating losses, particularly in high-scoring games against teams like Ole Miss and Alabama.

Another flaw was LSU’s inconsistent play in big moments. While quarterback Jayden Daniels had another strong season, there were times when LSU’s offense stalled in crucial moments, particularly on third down. The lack of a strong, reliable run game to complement Daniels’ dynamic passing made LSU one-dimensional at times, and teams were able to take advantage of this.

In addition, LSU faced some injuries on both sides of the ball, further limiting their chances of success. Despite being a talented team, the inability to stay healthy throughout the season kept LSU from fully reaching its potential.

3. Texas A&M Aggies

Texas A&M, under head coach Jimbo Fisher, has been a program that has struggled to live up to the immense expectations placed upon it. Despite recruiting at a high level and bringing in talented players each year, the Aggies have yet to break through as a true contender in the SEC West. Finebaum’s criticism of Texas A&M in 2024 focused on two main issues: inconsistency and poor coaching decisions.

The Aggies’ biggest flaw was their inability to find a reliable quarterback. Despite having multiple highly rated recruits in the quarterback room, Texas A&M continued to rotate quarterbacks throughout the season, never settling on one player to lead the offense. This instability at the most important position on the field led to confusion and inefficiency, preventing the offense from gaining any rhythm or momentum.

Additionally, Finebaum pointed to Fisher’s play-calling and decision-making as significant flaws. At times, Fisher’s offense seemed outdated and lacked the creativity needed to keep up with the fast-paced, high-scoring offenses in the SEC. The Aggies’ inability to adapt to modern college football trends, combined with poor execution, resulted in a disappointing season that left many questioning the future of the program.

The Impact of These Flaws on the SEC Landscape

The flaws identified by Paul Finebaum in Alabama, LSU, and Texas A&M had a significant impact on the SEC landscape in 2024. While these teams still remain formidable opponents, their inconsistencies allowed other programs to take advantage and challenge their supremacy in the conference.

For Alabama, the lack of quarterback stability opened the door for Georgia to further solidify its position as the dominant force in the SEC East. Alabama’s inability to fully recover from this issue in 2024 may have cost the team a shot at competing for a national title, as they couldn’t maintain the consistency they had in previous years.

LSU’s defensive struggles, combined with their offensive inconsistencies, meant that they were never able to sustain a high level of play throughout the season. This left a gap for other teams to seize control of the SEC West, as LSU was not able to compete with Alabama or Mississippi State when it mattered most.

Finally, Texas A&M’s ongoing struggles with quarterback play and coaching decisions prevented the Aggies from living up to their potential. The team’s lack of consistency in both areas kept them from breaking into the upper echelon of the SEC West, and their inability to close out close games left them as a mid-tier team.

Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for the SEC?

The issues faced by these three SEC teams in 2024 signal that even the most powerful programs can experience struggles when they don’t address their weaknesses. For Alabama, LSU, and Texas A&M, the road ahead will require significant adjustments in terms of quarterback play, defensive improvement, and coaching decisions. The SEC, as always, remains competitive, and the flaws that these teams exhibited in 2024 could open the door for other programs—like Ole Miss, Arkansas, and Mississippi State—to rise in prominence.

For fans and analysts, the flaws of these three major SEC programs serve as a reminder that even in a conference defined by excellence, no team is immune to challenges. The SEC’s competitive nature ensures that each season will bring new storylines, and these flawed teams will need to adapt quickly if they want to return to the top of college football.

In conclusion, Paul Finebaum’s observations about Alabama, LSU, and Texas A&M serve as a valuable reflection of the unpredictable nature of college football. While these teams may have faltered in 2024, their historical success and talent give them the opportunity to bounce back and challenge for dominance in the SEC once again. The league’s ever-evolving landscape ensures that these programs will be under close scrutiny, and their ability to address these flaws will determine their future success in the highly competitive SEC.