Paul Finebaum Praises Kalen DeBoer’s Week 2 Reset for Alabama Crimson Tide

Following a shocking 31-14 loss to an unranked Florida State team in Week 1 of the 2025 college football season, the Alabama Crimson Tide faced intense scrutiny. The defeat marked Alabama’s first 0-1 start in 24 years, raising questions about head coach Kalen DeBoer’s ability to lead the program in the post-Nick Saban era. However, in Week 2, Alabama delivered a resounding 73-0 victory over Louisiana-Monroe (ULM), prompting ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum to praise DeBoer for “changing the script.” Finebaum’s comments, made during an appearance on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning, highlighted the team’s remarkable turnaround and DeBoer’s leadership in resetting the season. This article explores Finebaum’s analysis, the context of Alabama’s Week 2 performance, DeBoer’s strategic adjustments, and the broader implications for the Crimson Tide’s 2025 campaign.

The Context: Alabama’s Week 1 Struggles

The 2025 season began with high expectations for Alabama, ranked No. 8 in the preseason polls. Under Kalen DeBoer, who took over from Nick Saban after a 9-4 debut season in 2024, the Crimson Tide were expected to contend for the College Football Playoff. However, the season opener against Florida State on August 30, 2025, exposed significant vulnerabilities. Alabama struggled offensively, averaging only 3.8 yards per carry despite an early drive that averaged 5.5 yards per carry, as noted by X user @FultonW_. Defensively, they allowed 230 rushing yards and four touchdowns, compounded by 12 penalties compared to Florida State’s six. The 31-14 loss was described by Finebaum on SportsCenter as a “shattering” blow, sparking discussions about DeBoer’s job security and a potential $70 million buyout.

The loss fueled skepticism among fans and analysts. Posts on X, such as one from @Bama_Hammer, called Alabama “poorly coached” and suggested the “clock is ticking” for DeBoer. Finebaum himself noted the loss of “tremendous goodwill” DeBoer had built in the offseason, reflecting the high stakes for Alabama’s response in Week 2.

Finebaum’s Praise: Changing the Script

In the wake of Alabama’s 73-0 demolition of Louisiana-Monroe, Paul Finebaum lauded DeBoer for his ability to “change the script” in Week 2. Speaking on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning, Finebaum emphasized that the performance was a critical reset for the program. “DeBoer did everything they could to change the script,” he said, noting that the fans “quickly rallied” after witnessing a complete team performance. The victory restored confidence, broke program records, and set a positive tone for the challenging SEC schedule ahead, particularly the looming matchup against Georgia.

Finebaum’s comments were not just about the scoreline but the shift in mentality. He highlighted how DeBoer’s response to the Week 1 loss—both in the locker room and on the field—demonstrated leadership under pressure. DeBoer himself acknowledged the team’s frustration post-Florida State, stating, “The response, whether it was on the plane ride or in the locker room last Saturday, just really upset. Just not happy. Just obsessed with understanding that we have to better.” This mindset translated into a dominant performance that Finebaum described as a necessary antidote to the “extreme week of negativity” following the opener.

Alabama’s Week 2 Performance: A Record-Breaking Response

The 73-0 win over ULM was Alabama’s largest margin of victory since 1951, showcasing a team firing on all cylinders. Quarterback Ty Simpson delivered a historic performance, completing all 17 of his passes for 226 yards and three touchdowns, surpassing Bryce Young’s single-game record for consecutive completions. Simpson also added a rushing touchdown, stabilizing a position that had been under scrutiny after Week 1. Freshman Keelon Russell contributed his first career touchdown pass, while the team’s depth was evident with contributions from younger players like Jackson Lloyd, Michael Carroll, and Joe Ionata, as noted by left tackle Kadyn Proctor.

Defensively, Alabama was relentless, holding ULM to under 100 total yards and forcing three turnovers. The offensive line, criticized for penalties and inconsistency against Florida State, dominated, enabling a balanced attack that included 350 rushing yards. Wide receiver Germie Bernard described the team’s preparation as carrying “a lot of energy,” a sentiment echoed by Proctor, who credited the players-only meeting—attended by DeBoer—for setting the stage for this performance.

Finebaum noted that while the win was against a weaker opponent, it was exactly what Alabama needed. He likened it to a golfer playing a “muni course” after struggling on a challenging one, suggesting the game was “tailor-made” to boost confidence. However, he cautioned that the performance did not fully address concerns about the upcoming Georgia game, indicating that DeBoer’s ability to connect with his players in Week 2 was a step forward but not a complete solution.

DeBoer’s Leadership: The Players-Only Meeting

A key factor in Alabama’s Week 2 reset was DeBoer’s bold decision to attend the players-only meeting following the Florida State loss. Typically, such meetings are sacred spaces for players to speak freely without coaching staff. However, DeBoer’s presence, as described by Kadyn Proctor, was impactful. “Coach DeBoer was actually in there, and he had his two cents to say,” Proctor noted, adding that DeBoer “brought that energy” and emphasized the need to avoid being “flat.” This intervention was risky but effective, as it bridged the gap between coaches and players, fostering unity and accountability.

DeBoer’s involvement ensured that the meeting’s outcomes were actionable. Players like Josh Cuevas and Germie Bernard emphasized the team’s culture of accountability, with the meeting focusing on calling out underperformance “with love.” DeBoer’s message reinforced this, urging sustained effort and intensity. His presence also signaled his investment in the team’s recovery, countering perceptions of detachment after the Week 1 loss. The result was a week of high-energy practices that culminated in the ULM rout, with Proctor stating that “all of the boxes from the meeting were checked off” in the game.

Strategic Adjustments and Team Depth

Beyond the emotional reset, DeBoer made strategic adjustments that contributed to the Week 2 success. The introduction of new players into the lineup, as confirmed by DeBoer in comments to SEC Network analyst Jordan Rodgers, showcased Alabama’s depth and adaptability. Players like Keelon Russell and Jackson Lloyd stepped up, alleviating concerns about the team’s reliance on stars like Ty Simpson or Jam Miller, who was sidelined for the opener. The offensive line’s improved performance, led by Proctor, addressed Week 1’s penalty issues, while the defense’s dominance reflected better preparation and execution.

Finebaum’s praise also acknowledged DeBoer’s coaching staff, particularly offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, whose return after a brief NFL stint bolstered the team. Grubb’s play-calling in Week 2 maximized Simpson’s strengths and exploited ULM’s weaknesses, resulting in a balanced and explosive offense. These adjustments demonstrated DeBoer’s ability to learn from Week 1’s failures and adapt quickly, a critical trait for navigating the SEC’s competitive landscape.

Finebaum’s Caveat: The Georgia Challenge

While Finebaum lauded DeBoer’s Week 2 reset, he tempered his optimism with concerns about Alabama’s readiness for Georgia in Week 4. On The Matt Barrie Show, he stated, “What you do have to wonder is why it took the second week of the season for Kalen DeBoer to connect with his players. He clearly failed to do it in the first week.” This critique reflects the broader narrative surrounding DeBoer’s tenure: while the ULM win restored confidence, it was against a lesser opponent, and the Georgia game will be a true litmus test.

Finebaum’s golfing analogy underscored this point, suggesting that Alabama’s confidence boost was akin to playing an easier course after struggling on a tough one. The Georgia matchup, featuring a top-ranked Bulldogs team, will demand the same intensity and execution displayed against ULM but against a far superior opponent. Finebaum’s comments highlight the pressure on DeBoer to sustain the momentum from Week 2 and prove he can compete at the SEC’s highest level.

Broader Implications for Alabama’s 2025 Season

The Week 2 victory and Finebaum’s praise have significant implications for Alabama’s 2025 season. The win reaffirmed DeBoer’s ability to rally his team after adversity, addressing doubts raised by the Florida State loss. ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) ranks Alabama as the No. 3 team nationally, with a 70.5% chance of making the College Football Playoff, suggesting that the program remains a contender despite the early setback. Finebaum’s earlier optimism, expressed on The Paul Finebaum Show on July 3, 2025, about Alabama’s playoff chances aligns with this projection.

However, challenges remain. The quarterback position, led by Ty Simpson, must maintain consistency, especially with Jalen Milroe’s departure and unproven backups like Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. The return of key players like Jam Miller could bolster the run game, but DeBoer must address the defensive lapses seen in Week 1 to compete against Georgia, Texas, and other SEC powerhouses. Finebaum’s comments on SEC Nation about the Florida State game being a “must-win” for DeBoer underscore the high expectations, and the ULM performance suggests he can meet them when the team is fully engaged.

Critical Analysis: DeBoer’s Leadership in Context

DeBoer’s Week 2 reset, as praised by Finebaum, highlights his strengths and vulnerabilities as Alabama’s head coach. His collaborative approach, evident in his presence at the players-only meeting, contrasts with Saban’s authoritative style, appealing to a new generation of players. However, Finebaum’s critique about DeBoer’s failure to connect in Week 1 raises questions about his preparation and ability to handle high-pressure games early in the season. The ULM win, while impressive, was against a weaker opponent, and skeptics like Finebaum and X user @Bama_Hammer will reserve judgment until Alabama faces stiffer competition.

DeBoer’s ability to “change the script” also reflects his adaptability, a trait critical in the SEC’s unforgiving landscape. His strategic adjustments, from lineup changes to play-calling, addressed Week 1’s shortcomings effectively. Yet, the pressure to sustain this momentum is immense, given Alabama’s storied history and fan expectations. Finebaum’s wavering stance—optimistic in July but critical after Week 1—mirrors the volatility of public perception, which DeBoer must navigate.

 

Paul Finebaum’s praise for Kalen DeBoer’s Week 2 reset encapsulates Alabama’s remarkable turnaround from a demoralizing loss to a record-breaking victory. The 73-0 win over Louisiana-Monroe, driven by DeBoer’s leadership in the players-only meeting and strategic adjustments, restored confidence and silenced some critics. Finebaum’s recognition of DeBoer’s ability to “change the script” highlights the emotional and tactical shift that defined Week 2. However, his caution about the Georgia game underscores the challenges ahead. As Alabama navigates the 2025 season, DeBoer’s ability to sustain the energy and execution seen in Week 2 will determine whether he can truly fill Saban’s shoes and lead the Crimson Tide back to national prominence.