Paul Finebaum ‘impressed’ with Alabama bouncing back from sluggish first half against Kentucky

Paul Finebaum’s switchboard would have been full of calls on Monday asking for Kalen DeBoer‘s head if Alabama had lost to Kentucky in Week 2.

Despite the Wildcats holding a 17-13 lead at halftime thanks in part to three first-half turnovers by the Crimson Tide, Alabama outscored them 32-0 in the second half to cruise to a 2-0 start.

“We both have learned not to get too carried away with first halves, but I can tell you that the temperature of the Alabama fan base while you were getting ready for halftime was boiling hot,” Finebaum told Matt Barrie on Sunday’s “Matt Barrie Show.” “But I was pretty impressed with how that entire program moved on from that disastrous first half.”

Because he’s following in the footsteps of the legendary Nick Saban, DeBoer will always face higher expectations than the average coach. But Alabama fans seeking his ouster is a step too far, Barrie said.

“It’s absolutely hilarious that people have these conversations about Alabama and DeBoer, and ‘is he on the hot seat.’ They just went to the Playoff last year and won a game. Like, enough with this DeBoer hot-seat garbage. It’s not happening,” Barrie said.

“I have a new policy. I just don’t react to the texts I get to fire DeBoer while I’m watching the game flying back. ‘Cause it’s just not worth it,” Finebaum said.

Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.