Alabama and Clemson, once formidable opponents, appear to be headed in much different directions.

On Sunday, Paul Finebaum juxtaposed Dabo Swinney with Nick Saban.

It wasn’t that long ago, the ACC’s Tigers and the SEC’s Crimson Tide were on a constant collision course in the college football playoffs. Swinney led Clemson to six straight appearances from 2015-2020, claiming titles in 2016 and 2018.

The Tide, on the other hand, has made seven appearances (2014-2018, 2020-2021).

Alabama took the 2016 CFP national championship with a thrilling 45–40 over Clemson. The Tigers returned the favor in 2017 with a 35–31 win for the title. In 2018, Alabama eliminated Clemson in the semifinals 24–6. The two teams met again in the 2019 national championship with Clemson blowing out Alabama 44–16.

Now, Clemson stands 4-4 and 2-4 in the ACC, while Alabama prepares for a key SEC West showdown with LSU with eyes still on the CFP.

Why such a vast difference?

The SEC Network analyst points to Saban’s ability to adapt.

“The older guy who doesn’t need to do anything else and has already proven himself with seven titles, six at Alabama, tweaks and changes,” Saban said. “He doesn’t embrace the portal or NIL, but he manages it.

“Dabo Swinney looks like the old man screaming at the kids to get off his lawn.”

Swinney’s unwillingness to go to the transfer portal is considered the main reason Clemson has struggled this season.

“Nick Saban, without that generational quarterback this year, has cobbled a team together that is on the precipice of one of the biggest games of the year. With a win, he sets himself up for a dramatic win.

“Measure that against Dabo Swinney and, quite frankly, the conclusion is Nick Saban is a far-superior coach, who even at 72 this week, is adaptable whereas Dabo, in his 50s, is not.”

On Saturday, KC Concepcion caught two touchdown passes and Payton Wilson had a 15-yard pick-six in NC State’s 24-17 win over Clemson, handing the defending ACC champions their second-straight loss. The Tigers, the preseason No. 9-ranked team, will enter November in the bottom half of the conference standings.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.