ESPN's Paul Finebaum appears to have warmed up to the idea of the Big Ten being a premier football conference.

The ESPN college football personality offered his quick analysis of Notre Dame-Penn State and Ohio State-Texas.

The Crimson Tide fan base has come to expect championships, a standard set by legendary coach Nick Saban from 2007-2023. During that period, Alabama won six national championships and achieved 10 or more wins every year except for one. This year's 9-4 record marked the team's worst season since Saban's first year in 2007.

The Big Ten and SEC have played five head-to-head games during Bowl Season. The Big Ten is 4-1 in those contests, the only loss being Iowa ‘s 27-24 Music City Bowl loss to Missouri. The conference also boasts two CFP Semifinal participants ( Ohio State, Penn State) to the SEC’s one ( Texas ).

Paul Finebaum compared current conversations around Georgia to another SEC powerhouse with high expectations. On Monday's McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning, Finebaum addressed a perception that the SEC is no longer a dominant entity.

There is just one day left until the College Football Playoff semifinals begin. Opinions on the new 12-team format are divided; some fans appreciate it, while others are not as enthusiastic. Supporters argue that the format makes more regular-season games meaningful as the season draws to a close.