Nick Saban’s presence on ESPN’s College GameDay always commands attention, but this Saturday morning ahead of the Alabama-Georgia clash, his words carried extra weight — and more than a little reluctance. The legendary former Crimson Tide head coach, now retired and working as a studio analyst, was asked to do something he has rarely had to: pick a winner in a matchup featuring his beloved Alabama.
The set in Athens was buzzing, with Georgia fans waving signs and the red-and-black crowd roaring in anticipation. Saban, sitting alongside Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, and Pat McAfee, seemed uncomfortable as the conversation turned toward predictions. The panel went down the line making their picks, and when the question finally reached Saban, the room quieted, waiting for his answer.
“Look, this is a tough one for me,” Saban admitted with a small smile. “Obviously, I’ve got a lot of love for Alabama. But I’ve also got a lot of respect for what Kirby Smart has built here at Georgia. These are two of the best programs in the country, and I think it’s going to come down to the last possession.”
The hesitation was clear, but Saban eventually leaned toward the Bulldogs, though carefully framing his reasoning. He praised Georgia’s depth, their experience at quarterback, and the way their defense has rounded into form after some early-season questions. “If you ask me today who has the slight edge,” Saban said, pausing for emphasis, “I’d probably say Georgia. But it’s razor-thin. Alabama has the talent to win this game too.”
The crowd erupted, delighted to hear the former Tide coach give the nod to the home team. But Saban quickly doubled back, reminding viewers of Alabama’s knack for rising in big moments. “I wouldn’t be shocked one bit if Alabama finds a way,” he cautioned.
For longtime fans of Alabama, the moment was bittersweet. Saban, who spent 17 seasons leading the Tide to six national championships, had just publicly sided with his former protégé, Kirby Smart, and the Bulldogs — Alabama’s fiercest rival for SEC supremacy in recent years.
In the end, Saban’s prediction reflected the respect between two powerhouse programs. His reluctance wasn’t just about divided loyalties, but about acknowledging that Alabama and Georgia are as evenly matched as any two teams in college football. And on a stage as big as College GameDay, even Nick Saban couldn’t hide how hard it was to pick against hi
s old team.