The Alabama Crimson Tide were upset by the Michigan Wolverines on New Year’s Day in the ReliaQuest Bowl. The loss broke Alabama’s NCAA record of 16 consecutive 10-win seasons, falling to 9-4 on the year.
Following Alabama’s loss to Michigan, former Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban had some words to say about it. Saban has held strong in his support for his former team despite some painful losses they endured this season. However, he took their loss to Michigan to heart, dishing out some harsh feedback to the Crimson Tide.
Nick Saban Gives Stern Feedback on Alabama’s ReliaQuest Bowl Loss
On a recent episode of ESPN’s “College GameDay,” Saban gave some tough love to his former team. Defensively, the Crimson Tide played well, giving up only 190 yards of offense. However, Alabama fell prey to a devastating first quarter, turning the ball over three times and giving up 16 points to Michigan.
When addressing the loss, Saban pointed out the effect of the turnovers and the letdown from failing to make it to the playoffs.
“Turnovers just kill you in a game, and obviously, Alabama had two or three of them early in the game. Michigan’s guys played well in the game, I don’t think Alabama did,” Saban said.
“I think one of the big things that’s always been an issue is for all these teams that have a chance to get in the playoffs and don’t. It’s always a huge letdown when you go play … not take anything away from Michigan … a huge letdown when you play in a bowl game.”
Alabama Loss to Michigan Ends Playoff Debate
One could interpret the outcome of the ReliaQuest Bowl as simply Alabama losing to a team that was better than them on that day. Saban’s words show a hint of bias towards his former team, partially blaming the loss on Crimson Tide’s failure to get into the playoffs.
The SMU Mustangs were selected to the CFP over the Crimson Tide, a decision that stirred controversy and caused many coaches to criticize the current format. SEC coaches like Lane Kiffin of Ole Miss, South Carolina’s Shane Beamer, and others, joined Saban in insisting that a three-loss record should not take priority over the caliber of competition a team faces during the regular season.
Regardless, Alabama’s loss to Michigan raises questions about the arguments Saban and other analysts have made for Alabama being more deserving of getting a playoff spot than, say, SMU or Indiana. While their argument may still be valid, the Crimson Tide’s performance against the Wolverines didn’t help matters and may have ended this debate.
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