Even though this season’s CFP is only in its second year in the 12-team era, the discussions around it are already louder than ever. Things worsen when such topics are covered by shows like First Take. One such moment had Paul Finebaum flipping out at one of the guests, but it didn’t go well for Mr. SEC.

Putting Paul Finebaum and Mad Dog Russo in the same studio is a guaranteed way to transform a straightforward CFP segment into a full-fledged stage show. “Are you okay with a three-loss team getting in?” was an innocent question that quickly escalated into Pauly taking off. Before Doggie had a chance to blink, Finebaum was talking about participation-trophy culture, what’s wrong with the nation, and why the NFL doesn’t give the Patriots an advantage over the Chiefs to be “fair.”

But as the subject shifted to the Group of Five, the real gasoline struck the fire. Finebaum exploded as soon as the mention of South Florida entered the conversation. All of a sudden, the 7-2 Bulls were the Triple-A baseball champions, attempting to win the World Series rather than a strong-resume club fighting for an automatic spot. Finebaum claims that the G5 has “no business playing.” Doggie’s sole crime was pointing out that the rankings appeared to be a little SEC-heavy.

And fans wasted zero time in roasting him. Finebaum’s passionate statements were beginning to sound more like campaign advertisements than sports commentary,. CFB broadcaster Tim Brando is also done with him. “Paul, Paul, Paul, just run for the Senate and stop click baiting us will ya? Attempting to make “embrace debate”compelling,” Brando posted on X.

The ‘Senate’ reference is, of course, connected to the rumor that Finebaum will leave broadcasting to contest elections. Nothing much has happened on that front yet.

And, the timing of Finebaum’s latest rant couldn’t be more hilarious, especially considering that South Florida, the team he spent the whole segment destroying, has defeated two ranked opponents, fought against Miami, and is still very much in the running for the championship. So, USF is playing legit football games and winning them, whether Finebaum thinks so or not.

But this is the mindset of college football shows, where loudness is mandatory and reasoning is optional. If Finebaum can compare the Bulls to a minor league club on live television, the internet will undoubtedly treat him as if he were protesting on the Senate floor. And with that shift in place, Finebaum believes this year’s CFP race could tilt even more dramatically toward the SEC.

Paul Finebaum predicts SEC takeover

If last year taught us anything, it’s that when the SEC feels neglected, it breaks down more quickly than anybody else. The most significant development was the absence of South Carolina, Alabama, and Ole Miss from the initial 12-team Playoff. The commotion inside SEC circles was so loud that it shook Indianapolis’s walls. As a result, the committee subtly changed its methodology to place a greater emphasis on schedule strength, which usually favors the SEC. And as of now, seven SEC schools are in the Top 15.

And Paul Finebaum is the most optimistic about that idea. On McElroy and Cubelic, he dismissed the notion that Alabama or A&M may falter, saying, “I don’t think they have a lot of problems.” He even threw Vanderbilt into the chaos in typical Finebaum style, claiming that a late victory against Tennessee would put the Commodores “in a really good spot.” Five clubs in the SEC? He’s there already. Six? He doesn’t rule it out. With eight places open, the conference appears to be playing musical chairs, with Texas A&M, Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, Texas, Oklahoma, and Vanderbilt all within striking distance.

One way or another, Georgia vs. Texas in Athens will flip the board. Oklahoma, which embarrassed Alabama last year, travels to Tuscaloosa for a fierce rematch. And according to Finebaum, this instability only serves to strengthen the SEC’s position. Before returning to his favorite Texas, he stated, “I think the SEC is in the best position it’s been in really in some time.” He believes that a season-ending victory versus A&M may make the Longhorns a “three-loss possibility” for the field, even in the event of another defeat.

When you combine Vanderbilt’s potential for chaos with Oklahoma’s must-win route, the SEC has more playoff options than all other leagues put together. And what if there are five or even six SEC clubs in the final bracket? The Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC may join the SEC chorus from the last year by voicing complaints, hoping the committee will take notice.