If you didn’t know that Nick Saban is 71 years old, you would not think that Nick Saban is 71 years old. He continues to defy the aging process and continues to win college football games even when everybody is counting Alabama out.
Both of those things were on display on Saturday!
Not only did the Crimson Tide get its revenge on the Tennessee Volunteers with a 14-point win, they used a 27-0 second half to come back from a 13-point deficit at halftime. It was very clear that Saban and Alabama entered the game with a chip on their shoulder. Whatever he said to his players at halftime must have been especially inspiring.
But it’s not like Saban didn’t have his guys ready to go. A video of the team coming out of the locker room before kickoff really sets the tone. It was all business.
A few different chants before they ran out of the tunnel helped to get things fired up. The Crimson Tide was war ready.
In addition to the serious tone, there is a tradition in Tuscaloosa. Every coach and player must tap the overhang before walking out of the door. No exceptions.
Saban, at 5-foot-6, is not able to reach the door head with both feet on the ground. He has to jump up to tap the sign, and showed impressive hops for someone who is six years past the age of senior citizenship!
Having played defensive back at Kent State, Saban often lined up against bigger and taller players. Getting up is nothing new for the greatest coach in college football history.
That doesn’t make it any less impressive that he is still moving how he does!
Rumors that Saban might retire after this year started to swirl before the season, as has become the norm. The chatter only picked up after a loss to Texas and close win over USF.
Saban does not show signs of slowing down!