Paul Finebaum Says Controversial SEC Coach ‘Got Punked’ by Alabama
Paul Finebaum questioned Lane Kiffin’s big-game résumé after Alabama beat LSU 31-13, and his verdict didn’t hold back.
LSU faced a 31-13 defeat to Alabama, and sports commentator Paul Finebaum expressed his disappointment on "The Mat Barrie Show." He suggested that LSU coach Lane Kiffin had been "punked," adding that Kiffin's performance looked foolish. This was not the first time Kiffin had faced a significant loss to Alabama; it had happened previously as well, as noted with Brian Kelly's situation.
LSU's performance in Kiffin's first season was marked by a 6-3 record, with a notable home win loss streak disrupted. Kiffin's six matchups against Alabama have all ended in defeat, with no wins. Initially, there were inklings of a potential upset; LSU led 13-10 in the third quarter, but Alabama managed to score the game's final 21 points.
Finebaum admitted to being influenced by the hype after LSU's wins over Clemson, Mississippi State, and Auburn, but he believes that Kiffin has yet to prove his worth, stating, "I just kept wanting to believe that he had figured it out, but he hasn't." In a game where LSU outgained Alabama 457 to 285 yards, Kiffin emphasized the importance of scoring touchdowns in the red zone and making successful fourth downs.
The LSU offense, led by Sam Leavitt with 380 passing yards on 48 attempts, and receivers Jackson Harris (166 passing yards, 11 catches) and Trey’Dez Green (85 passing yards, 10 catches), did not capitalize on these opportunities. Looking ahead, LSU will face Texas, Tennessee, and Arkansas, with a notable 9-3 record still falling short for a College Football Playoff case given three losses.
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