Paul Finebaum cites Alabama's defense to explain why he is concerned about the Crimson Tide. (0:47).
Alabama and Ole Miss are still at the top of their respective 15-team rankings, but Lane Kiffin, Rebels coach, has already spoken out about his former employer.
On Wednesday, Kiffin, who was the offensive coordinator for Alabama from 2014 to '16 under Nick Saban, stated that the No. The 1 Crimson Tide own the transfer portal and are accumulating more talent than they do through high school recruitment, where they usually rank in the top three signing classes each season.
Kiffin stated that they now cherry-pick players to fill any holes, such as an Ohio State receiver [Jameson Williams] and a Tennessee linebacker (Henry To’o To’o]" It's almost like they not only get the best draft picks, but they also get to go into free agent and take players. This is how we're going to be playing.
Saban, who was a skeptic about transfer deregulation, warned against the adoption of the one time transfer rule. This would further segregate the haves and the have nots.
Saban stated earlier this year that he believes what is gonna happen. "I believe what's going to happen, as you have seen in a lot leagues, is that the good players will go to a great team and the poor players will leave good teams because of not playing," Saban said. Is this going to make the rich richer? I don't know. That is up to you.
To'o To’o and Williams, who Alabama recruited out of high school, now serve as starters for the Tide.
Williams is the leader with 218 receiving yards. To'o To’o is the leader of the team with 22 tackles.
Alabama held on to win over No. Florida beat Alabama 31-29 in Gainesville on Saturday. Kiffin gave a message to reporters who were wondering if the win was a sign that they were weak.
Kiffin stated, "As we all know, they have an amazing team, great players." I wish that the media stopped pointing out Coach Saban's weaknesses or weak teams. They went on the road to a top-10 team, in the Swamp, and won with a rookie quarterback. They took an early lead, but they held on to the finish. Now it's not a good squad and they have weaknesses. It doesn't help that we know how this place works.
No. No.
Tuscaloosa will host The Tide and The Rebs on October 2.
Last year, both teams played each other until Alabama won the fourth quarter. Alabama won the game 63-48.
