Nick Saban and Bryce Young didn’t exactly let Pat McAfee get the last word on Georgia-Alabama.
On ESPN’s College GameDay, both former Alabama stars backed the Crimson Tide in the matchup with Georgia, and both did so with the kind of confidence you’d expect from two people who know what that stage feels like. Saban, who was on the wrong side of Georgia’s 33-18 win in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game to finish the 2022 season, pointed to the Bulldogs’ quality while still sticking with Alabama.
“Georgia’s got one of the most complete teams in the country,” Saban said. “Kirby has had a very consistent identity with his teams - tough, physical. But I really liked the togetherness of this Alabama team this year.”
Young followed that same line of thinking, leaning into what he sees as Alabama’s chemistry and turnover production.
"Seeing how this team plays together this year, and the togetherness - and all of the turnovers they are creating,” Young said. “I think (Keelon) Russell is the X factor.
Watching him develop and how he’s played. I am a huge fan.
I think he is super special. So, of course, Roll Tide.”
Desmond Howard made it three straight picks for Alabama before McAfee swung things back the other way.
“Alabama is battle tested. They’ve gone on the road against Kentucky; they came back in the second half when they struggled against Florida State. I am going Roll Tide.”
Then came McAfee’s turn, and with it the kind of bait-and-switch he’s built a brand on.
“Isaias tried to scare some people away,” McAfee said. “The Georgia Bulldogs have not trailed for a single second, but have they played anyone close to the Alabama Crimson Tide?
Absolutely not. Kalen DeBour has his system in place.
(The fans) are going to be going absolutely crazy tonight. Give me Georgia.”
Saban didn’t seem amused. He stood up and listened closely as McAfee finished with “Give me Georgia.”
From there, the segment turned physical in the loose, showy way these GameDay moments sometimes do. Saban pulled McAfee in close with what appeared to be a poorly-executed head lock, and Young followed by playfully punching McAfee in the chest before throwing him to the ground to the delight of Alabama fans watching.
Georgia and Alabama will kickoff after the ABC broadcast begins at 7:30 EST.
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