Paul Finebaum is higher on Alabama Football than he is on Georgia Football 😯 “Georgia feels like it’s stuck in time.”
When it comes to college football analysis, Paul Finebaum is one of the most influential and widely recognized voices in the sport. His thoughts on teams, players, and coaches often carry a heavy weight in the college football community, and his opinions can shape narratives for programs nationwide. Recently, Finebaum made headlines by expressing his higher regard for Alabama football over Georgia, a statement that has certainly raised eyebrows across the college football landscape.
Finebaum, who has been covering SEC football for decades, has consistently been an advocate for the dominance of Alabama under Nick Saban. However, his recent comments about Georgia’s current state have sparked debate, particularly when he claimed that “Georgia feels like it’s stuck in time.” These remarks come at a time when Georgia has been the reigning national champion for two straight seasons and is widely considered one of the most dominant programs in the sport. Yet, Finebaum seems to see Alabama in a more favorable light, even as Georgia continues to rack up titles.
To understand the gravity of Finebaum’s comments, it’s important to examine the current state of both programs, how they’ve evolved, and what Finebaum’s perspective tells us about the future of college football’s elite programs. His remarks raise a fundamental question: Is Georgia’s sustained success really as innovative and dynamic as it appears, or is Alabama—despite some recent struggles—more likely to regain its place as the SEC’s dominant force?
Georgia has been one of the most dominant programs in recent years, culminating in back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022. Kirby Smart has transformed the Bulldogs into a juggernaut, following in the footsteps of former mentor Nick Saban. The Bulldogs’ powerful defense, relentless recruiting efforts, and solid quarterback play have positioned them as one of the most formidable teams in college football. Their ability to reload rather than rebuild has given them an aura of invincibility in the SEC, particularly in comparison to other teams in the conference.
However, Finebaum’s remarks cast doubt on the notion that Georgia is evolving with the game. While Georgia has excelled in a variety of areas, Finebaum sees their approach as being stuck in the past. “Georgia feels like it’s stuck in time,” Finebaum remarked during a recent segment. “It’s almost like they’ve found a formula that works, and they’re sticking with it, but I don’t see the innovation that I see in Alabama’s program.”
Finebaum’s criticism hinges on the idea that, while Georgia has been successful, they have yet to evolve in the same way that other programs, particularly Alabama, have done over time. While Smart has undoubtedly built an outstanding program, there’s a perception that the Bulldogs are relying on the same tried-and-true methods that brought them success rather than pushing the boundaries of college football innovation. In Finebaum’s eyes, this is a potential weakness.
Alabama football, meanwhile, is at a bit of a crossroads. After an era of unparalleled dominance under Saban, the Crimson Tide experienced a brief period of vulnerability. The 2021 and 2022 seasons weren’t as dominant as fans had come to expect, with Alabama falling short in key games, most notably against Georgia in the 2021 National Championship. But even in the face of a perceived decline, Alabama’s pedigree, depth, and coaching staff remained elite.
Saban, now in his 70s, has continued to adapt, making critical adjustments to his coaching staff and program. The addition of new offensive coordinators, a focus on developing elite quarterbacks, and more emphasis on the transfer portal have helped Alabama keep pace with the changing landscape of college football. Additionally, the emergence of new star players like Bryce Young, Will Anderson Jr., and others has helped Alabama maintain its status as one of the most dangerous teams in the nation.
In Finebaum’s view, Alabama has not only managed to stay relevant but has also been more willing to evolve with the times. “What makes Alabama different is that they’re not afraid to change,” Finebaum said. “Even though the Tide might have had a couple of down years, they are constantly recalibrating to meet the needs of the modern game.” Finebaum’s words speak to the adaptability of the Alabama program, which has successfully navigated the changing landscape of college football—something he believes Georgia has yet to fully do.
One of the central points of Finebaum’s analysis is the idea that Alabama’s program is marked by constant innovation. While Georgia has relied heavily on a strong defense, a bruising running game, and efficient quarterback play, Alabama has leaned into more dynamic offensive systems in recent years, even as Saban’s defense-first philosophy has remained central to the program’s identity.
Finebaum points to Alabama’s adoption of a high-powered passing game under former offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian and the continued development of quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young as prime examples of innovation. “Nick Saban has shown that he can adapt,” Finebaum noted. “He used to be known for that powerhouse defense, but now he’s opened up his offense, embraced the spread, and modernized the entire approach.”
Alabama’s willingness to evolve in the face of challenges has allowed them to stay relevant, and in some ways, surpass Georgia in Finebaum’s eyes. The Crimson Tide have maintained a level of excellence by reimagining their identity without completely abandoning their roots. With the infusion of new tactics and players, Alabama has remained at the forefront of college football, poised for future success.
In contrast, Finebaum believes Georgia’s focus on building and maintaining a suffocating defense has led them to a degree of stagnation. While defense wins championships, it may not be enough to guarantee continued success in the new era of college football, where offenses are becoming more potent and diversified. Georgia’s heavy reliance on its traditional style has led Finebaum to wonder whether the Bulldogs are susceptible to falling behind other elite programs, especially with the continued evolution of the college football landscape.
One of the most important factors in the success of both programs is their recruiting. Georgia and Alabama are consistently ranked among the top recruiting programs in the country, and both have amassed some of the best talent in the nation. However, Finebaum believes there’s a subtle but crucial difference between how each program recruits.
Alabama, under Nick Saban, has long been known for its ability to recruit elite players from across the country. The program has an established culture of excellence, and players flock to Tuscaloosa for the opportunity to win championships and develop under Saban’s tutelage. The addition of the transfer portal has only further strengthened Alabama’s ability to reload quickly, as they continue to bring in top-tier talent year after year.
On the other hand, Georgia’s recruiting efforts, while still impressive, have a more regional focus. The Bulldogs have been particularly strong in their home state of Georgia, which is one of the most talent-rich states in the country. Kirby Smart has turned Georgia into a recruiting powerhouse, but Finebaum believes that the Bulldogs may be too reliant on their local recruiting base.
“Georgia does a great job of bringing in talent, especially from their own backyard,” Finebaum said. “But are they doing enough to go national? Are they able to recruit at the same level as Alabama, who can go into any state and pull out a five-star player?”
While Georgia is certainly a recruiting juggernaut, Finebaum suggests that Alabama has a broader and more diverse recruiting footprint. As a result, the Crimson Tide have been able to build a more versatile roster, whereas Georgia may be relying too much on one geographic area to fuel their success. This could be a key difference as the two programs continue to battle for supremacy in the SEC and on the national stage.
In the SEC, competition is fierce, and both Alabama and Georgia are part of a larger arms race between elite programs. While Alabama is still viewed as the gold standard of the conference, Georgia has emerged as its biggest rival in recent years. The rivalry between the two teams has reached a fever pitch, with each program striving to outdo the other in recruiting, player development, and on-field performance.
The gap between Alabama and Georgia is razor-thin, but Finebaum’s comments suggest that, for all of Georgia’s recent success, Alabama’s commitment to adapting to the changing landscape of college football might give them an edge moving forward. The next few seasons will be crucial in determining whether Georgia can continue to build on its dominance or whether Alabama will reassert itself as the top program in college football.
Paul Finebaum’s analysis of Alabama’s superiority over Georgia may be controversial, but it does raise valid points about the evolving nature of college football. While Georgia’s back-to-back national championships are an undeniable testament to their greatness, Finebaum believes that their reliance on a more traditional style of football could eventually lead to stagnation. On the other hand, Alabama’s ability to innovate and adapt gives them a long-term advantage, according to Finebaum.
Whether Georgia is truly “stuck in time” remains to be seen. However, Finebaum’s perspective serves as a reminder that even the best programs need to continuously evolve to remain at the top. For now, Alabama fans will likely embrace Finebaum’s praise, while Georgia supporters will be determined to prove that their style of football is the formula for continued success. The SEC rivalry between Alabama and Georgia will continue to be one of the most thrilling storylines in college football for years to come.
