Believe it or not, Nick Saban knows a thing or two about the University of Alabama. The 72-year-old College Gameday analyst won six national championships with the Crimson Tide and is widely considered to be the greatest college football coach of all-time.
His revelation on Saturday morning undoubtedly ruffled some feathers among Auburn fans!
Saban, while in Austin for Texas vs. Georgia, spoke about an equally as important game that will be played in Knoxville. It is the third Saturday in October, which has been the only date for the ‘Third Saturday in October’ rivalry since 1901. Naturally.
Seventh-ranked Alabama plays at 11th-ranked Tennessee.
College football fans would typically consider the Crimson Tide’s biggest rival to be the in-state Tigers. The Iron Bowl is one of the most well-known rivalry games in all of sports. The Kick-Six is one of the most famous moments in sports history.
Alabama and Auburn fans might agree that their deep-rooted hatred toward each other might take priority over any other school in the country. However, the players do not feel the same way.
Saban always had a harder time getting his team fired up to play before the Iron Bowl than he did on for the Third Saturday in October. They were just naturally more excited for the Tennessee game!
Pat McAfee and Kirk Herbstreit — and pretty much everybody watching at home — were surprised to hear Saban say that. Desmond Howard added that the surprising dynamic “says a lot,” which it certainly does.
Nick Saban says Tennessee game was bigger rivalry game than Auburn
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) October 19, 2024
“For our players, this was a bigger rivalry than any other game we played…even bigger than Auburn to our players. It was always difficult for me to get our players up for the Auburn game, it was never difficult… pic.twitter.com/4r2gwgq0Tg
Auburn fans already hate Nick Saban. They are going to be so butthurt to hear him put down their rivalry. Especially considering he still managed to get his team up for the Iron Bowl and won all but five of his 17 games against the Tigers. The Volunteers just matter more.