Viewers who tuned into the Big 10 Championship game on Saturday to see the Michigan Wolverines take on the Purdue Boilermakers got a little something extra — Alabama coach Nick Saban in blatant campaign mode.
Saban’s Crimson Tide came into the weekend ranked No. 6 in the College Football Playoff and needing help to get into the Final four. No. 4 USC lost on Friday but that loss did more for Ohio State than Alabama. And while TCU lost, it was a close loss. Knowing the Tide’s 10-2 record may have trouble stacking up to the Horned Frogs’ 12-1 mark, Saban decided he’d give one final pitch — and what a pitch it was.
Nick Saban makes his pitch for the CFP. pic.twitter.com/hqHIyli71d
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 4, 2022
Imagine a political candidate trailing in a close race, making one final speech the night before Election Day. If any of those candidates saw Saban in action on Saturday night, they’d blush.
Certain parts of Saban’s speech drew some appreciation. And certainly, the overall message might have been music to the ears of many Alabama fans. But for pretty much everyone else, it was something different.
Sound like an attorney pleading for his client 😂🤣 https://t.co/D0K2F2hGVH
— 🦆DUCKS VS ALL 🦆 (@ducksVSall) December 4, 2022
When does TCU’s coach get to rebuttal? Or we only allow Saban to beg? https://t.co/d9jwHMNWP0
— John Malkoski (@BigBeardedJohn) December 4, 2022
Why even play the games right? https://t.co/zKk3INoz8a
— Jordan Kroeger (@ByJordanKroeger) December 4, 2022
https://twitter.com/ChrisOwens62/status/1599240940106919937
Saban right now https://t.co/JVs4pfBST2 pic.twitter.com/a7C1lu6MNG
— Johnny Ohio (@thejohnnyohio) December 4, 2022
Ah yes their three game streak over unranked 5-6 Auburn, unranked Ole Miss and Austin Freaking Peay https://t.co/WVaH8odfY0
— Teddy's Hooman🏳️🌈 (@Andrew_Garda) December 4, 2022
Ya know, it's okay if just occasionally someone other than Alabama makes it to the playoff.
I promise it's not the end of the world. https://t.co/m5gF0qwYmy
— Stephen Nehrenz (@StephenNehrenz) December 4, 2022
You gotta be kidding me… https://t.co/7w5n0ZItP2
— PJ Green (@PJGreenTV) December 4, 2022
Of course, Alabama fans, haters and everyone in between aren’t really Saban’s audience here. He was talking to the group that will name the four teams that will play for a national championship — the College Football Playoff Committee.
It’s hard to get a sense of exactly what will happen. But with No. 1 Georgia and No. 2 Michigan both winning (and ultimately, winning handily) on Saturday, those spots are secure. It also seems likely that No. 5 Ohio State will make it in, supplanting USC. The Buckeyes were No. 5 and the Crimson Tide were No. 6 heading into the week. Alabama can’t jump Ohio State without either the Tide winning or the Buckeyes losing. Neither team was even in action this week.
That leaves Alabama against TCU. Realistically, the Horned Frogs have the edge. Saban knows that. If he didn’t, it’s unlikely that he would have graced us with his presence and eternal wisdom on Saturday night.
[Photo Credit: Fox]
