The Alabama Crimson Tide has struggled to get back to its championship ways under Nick Saban since the legendary head coach’s retirement over two years ago, and that reality has not gone unnoticed.

ESPN and SEC Network personality Paul Finebaum — one of the most powerful voices in this region of the country, especially when it comes to college football — hopped on with “Longshore and McKnight” and made it very clear where he stands on the state of the program right now.

When asked whether he believes the program is a shell of what it was under Nick Saban, Finebaum didn’t hesitate.

“Yes, I do,” he said with a laugh. “I know we’re being harsh here, and I don’t want to be all doom and gloom, but I’m going to be on Kalen DeBoer.”

Finebaum went on to talk about the blowout at the hands of Georgia in the SEC Championship, but he also brought up an interesting point about offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.

“The worst thing to happen to the Alabama football program wasn’t [the Rose Bowl] on January 1, it’s this coming Sunday night, the fact that Ryan Grubb gets fired from the Seahawks and his replacement leads them to the Super Bowl and likely the Super Bowl victory.”

DeBoer will clearly be under pressure entering year three — not only from fans, but from Finebaum as well. That sets the stage for what could be a fascinating fall in Tuscaloosa.