ESPN analysts Paul Finebaum and Heather Dinich have both elevated Alabama to the top of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) following the Crimson Tide’s emphatic 37–20 victory over No. 11 Tennessee on Saturday night. The win not only solidified Alabama’s status as a national title contender but also reaffirmed head coach Kalen DeBoer’s steady hand in guiding the Tide back to dominance.
During an appearance on SportsCenter Sunday morning, Finebaum declared Alabama the best team in the SEC, stating that the Tide had “separated themselves” from the rest of the conference amid a season filled with “confusion and conflict.”
“They are No. 1,” Finebaum said. “There are a couple of teams close, but to me, Alabama has set itself apart. Every time Tennessee tried to fight back, Alabama’s defense responded — that 99-yard interception return was the final dagger.”
Finebaum was referring to freshman defensive back Zabien Brown’s remarkable 99-yard pick-six, which shifted momentum entirely in Alabama’s favor late in the third quarter. The Tide defense also forced a crucial safety earlier in the game, keeping Tennessee’s high-powered offense in check.
Heather Dinich echoed Finebaum’s sentiments, citing Alabama’s strength of schedule and overall résumé as reasons for placing them atop her SEC power rankings. “After all the games last night, I had Alabama No. 3 nationally and No. 1 in the SEC,” Dinich explained. “The selection committee won’t hesitate to put a one-loss team ahead of an undefeated one if they’ve earned it through the eye test and their performance — and Alabama has done just that.”
Under DeBoer, the Crimson Tide have steadily regained their trademark discipline and explosiveness, following an early-season setback. The team’s balanced offensive attack, coupled with a resurgent defense, has drawn comparisons to some of Alabama’s best under former coach Nick Saban.
With two more weeks remaining before the College Football Playoff selection committee releases its first rankings on November 4, Alabama’s resurgence could not have come at a better time. If the Tide continue their dominant run, a return to the playoff — and perhaps another national championship chase — may be within reach.
For now, Finebaum and Dinich’s assessments echo a growing consensus: Alabama football, once questioned early in the season, is back on top of the SEC mountain.
