Paul Finebaum Calls Out Oklahoma: “Fragile” and Not a Playoff-Caliber Team

In a weekend filled with drama, controversy, and remarkable comebacks, Paul Finebaum didn’t hold back on his assessment of Oklahoma, labeling the Sooners as “fragile” and questioning their legitimacy as a College Football Playoff (CFP) contender. Speaking on The Matt Barrie Show, Finebaum dissected Alabama’s rollercoaster performance, Oklahoma’s inconsistencies, and the ongoing coaching drama surrounding some of college football’s hottest names.

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Alabama’s Resurgence: From Near Disaster to Domination

Alabama entered the SEC Championship Game under heavy criticism. Fans and pundits alike questioned their place in the CFP, especially after a lopsided loss to Georgia. Down 17-0 in the opening stages against Oklahoma, social media erupted with outrage at the CFP committee’s decision to include the Crimson Tide.

But once Alabama regained their footing, the narrative shifted dramatically. Finebaum emphasized how the team, under coach Kalin Dbor, delivered “easily the best performance of the season” when it mattered most. A pivotal fourth-down play early in the game changed the momentum, with quarterback Ty Simpson connecting on a crucial pass that led to a touchdown and steadied the team’s trajectory.

“Alabama literally was one play, maybe one catch, away from getting blown out of that stadium,” Finebaum said. “But they never could quite deliver… Oklahoma never could quite deliver.”

This sentiment was echoed throughout the show, with Finebaum highlighting Alabama’s superior execution over Oklahoma despite the scoreboard, noting that turnovers and defensive mistakes allowed the Sooners to remain competitive temporarily.

Oklahoma’s Fragility on Full Display

According to Finebaum, Oklahoma’s inclusion in the CFP was questionable from the start. He described the Sooners as a fragile team, one that “barely got by Auburn” due to controversial calls, lost to Texas and Mississippi, and only managed wins against Alabama and Tennessee through defensive plays.

“They very easily could have been a four or five-loss team,” Finebaum said. “It doesn’t matter now, but the attacks on Alabama were just absurd.”

Finebaum criticized how the narrative around Oklahoma, fueled by social media and fan memes, overshadowed the reality: the Sooners lacked consistency and were prone to collapse under pressure. For him, Alabama demonstrated the traits of a true playoff team, while Oklahoma’s season was marked by vulnerability and luck.

The Coaching Carousel: Dbor, Dillingham, and Michigan Drama

The discussion then shifted to the coaching rumor mill. Finebaum weighed in on the intense speculation surrounding Kalin Dbor and Kenny Dillingham. While fans and media outlets speculated that Dbor might be considering a move to Michigan, Finebaum stressed the absurdity of such discussions in the middle of a playoff run.

“All of that Dbor garbage… maybe there was some stuff going on behind the scenes, but had they lost to Oklahoma, maybe it would have been legitimate,” he said. “But in the middle of a playoff run, he’s answering questions about another job?”

Finebaum also offered insight into why top coaches might hesitate to take the Michigan job. He painted a picture of an unstable program struggling with leadership and lingering issues from the Harbaugh era, from the sign-stealing scandal to ongoing administrative chaos.

Michigan: High-Profile Job, Low Stability

According to Finebaum, Michigan remains one of the most complex jobs in college football. Despite its resources, prestige, and potential for national success, he emphasized that the program currently lacks alignment and leadership.

“You need a guy to steady that ship,” Finebaum said, suggesting Kyle Whittingham as a model of stability. He highlighted Whittingham’s clean record at Utah and ability to provide leadership without the distractions of high-profile drama. While not the flashiest hire, a coach like Whittingham would give Michigan the stability necessary to rebuild trust with fans and regain competitiveness.

The discussion underscored a larger theme: in college football, prestige alone does not guarantee success. Leadership, consistency, and the ability to navigate chaos are equally vital, especially at programs with a spotlight as bright as Michigan.

The Social Media Effect: Amplifying the Narrative

Finebaum also reflected on the impact of social media during high-stakes games. He recalled the absurdity of tweets attacking Alabama during their early-game struggles, which quickly disappeared once the team regained control.

“It’s a little hard to keep up with all the social media while being at the game,” he said. “Some of the stupidest tweets I’ve ever seen… may be a lesson not to tweet in the middle of something because that’s sports.”

The commentary highlights a growing challenge in modern sports journalism: instantaneous reactions can distort narratives and amplify false perceptions. In Alabama’s case, early criticism quickly morphed into praise, demonstrating how volatile the online discourse can be.

Defensive Plays and Game-Changing Moments

While Oklahoma’s offensive struggles were evident, Alabama’s ability to capitalize on mistakes and execute key defensive plays defined the game. Finebaum highlighted the sequence of turnovers and strategic plays that ultimately swung the momentum.

“Alabama outgained them, outplayed them,” he said. “It was just the turnovers that led to Oklahoma’s temporary success. Alabama proved they were the better team and more of a playoff team than Oklahoma showed.”

This analysis reinforces the idea that talent alone does not define playoff readiness; composure under pressure, situational awareness, and execution in critical moments are what separate elite teams from those that falter.

The Broader CFP Landscape

Finebaum’s commentary also touched on the larger implications for the CFP. Alabama’s comeback serves as a reminder that early predictions, controversies, and even upsets may not tell the full story. Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s season illustrates how fragile programs, even with high expectations, can struggle to maintain credibility on the national stage.

As the playoff progresses, these themes are likely to intensify: consistency, leadership, and mental toughness will define who advances. Finebaum’s observations underscore a fundamental truth about college football: talent may get you into the conversation, but resilience wins championships.

Lessons for Coaches and Programs

Finebaum’s insights go beyond individual games, offering lessons for coaches and programs navigating high-pressure environments:

Stay focused during adversity – Alabama’s turnaround showed that composure and key decision-making are crucial when facing early setbacks.

Leadership matters – Programs like Michigan, despite resources and prestige, require strong, steady leadership to succeed long-term.

Social media doesn’t define reality – Fan reactions can be misleading, especially in real-time scenarios where a single play can change the outcome.

Fragility is costly – Oklahoma’s inconsistencies highlight the danger of overestimating a team’s capabilities based solely on talent or reputation.

Final Thoughts

Paul Finebaum’s blunt assessment of Oklahoma and his commentary on Alabama’s resilience provide a compelling narrative for fans and analysts alike. While Alabama’s playoff legitimacy was questioned early, their performance reinforced why they remain one of the elite programs in the nation. Conversely, Oklahoma’s struggles illustrate the risks of fragility and inconsistency at the highest levels of college football.

As the CFP continues, the lessons are clear: programs must combine talent with mental toughness, leadership, and strategic execution. For fans, pundits, and coaches alike, the upcoming games will test which teams have truly earned their spot in college football’s most coveted competition.

Finebaum’s take may be controversial to some, but it’s a reminder that in the high-stakes world of college football, reality often diverges sharply from perception. Alabama showed resilience, Oklahoma showed vulnerability, and the playoff landscape continues to deliver drama, debate, and unforgettable moments.