Paul Finebaum contends Alabama football program “has slipped” as the No. 3 Crimson Tide prepares for its top-10 battle at Tennessee on Saturday.

It sounds like some of that “yummy” rat poison Nick Saban has mentioned in the past.

The SEC Network analyst joined me Thursday on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 in Mobile to break down what has been nothing but a one-sided affair since 2006.

“That run doesn’t make one bit of different in relation to Saturday afternoon,” Finebaum said of Saban’s Tide being 15-0 against the Vols. “This is really about Tennessee’s resurgence, but it’s even more about what is the health of Bryce Young and if he plays and if he plays well.”

A day earlier, when talking to Stephen A. Smith on “First Take,” Finebaum flat out said Alabama wouldn’t win Saturday if Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Bryce Young didn’t play. Even Smith – a big supporter of Alabama – cautioned about picking the Tide.

Finebaum, on Thursday, laid out why.

“It does seem like this program has slipped,” Finebaum said. “Slipped from where is the question. They’re not as dominating. They make a lot of mistakes. That is evident by the 49 penalties. They don’t create turnovers like the great Alabama teams of Nick Saban have done.

“The offensive production, which is still high, doesn’t seem as fluid. Look at the NFL rosters – from a receiver standpoint – there are endless numbers of lost players from (Jaylen) Waddle) to (Jerry) Jeudy to DeVonta Smith, (running back) Najee Harris.

“The quarterback is just as good as anyone who’s been there – maybe better – but he doesn’t have the compliments around him. Therefore, Alabama hasn’t been effective.”

Mark Heim is a sports reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.