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The first of two regular-season Alabama-Auburn basketball games this year has brought the passion in the rivalry to a fevered pitch, as the Crimson Tide enters Saturday’s home game (3 p.m. CT, ESPN) ranked No. 1 in the nation by the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, while Auburn enters ranked No. 2.
Few know the rivalry better than legendary former Alabama football coach Nick Saban, and the ESPN College GameDay broadcast included some words from the retired coach, whose last Alabama team won the Iron Bowl in thrilling fashion in 2023.
“When you’re born in Alabama, it’s not about pink or blue. It’s about Auburn or Alabama. Who are you going to root for? That’s what makes this such a special rivalry, and it’s always a great atmosphere when these two teams are playing, and I’m sure it will be for this game,” Saban said. “But it’s all about bragging rights in this state, for who wins this game.”
Saban joined the broadcast remotely via a video presentation. His 17 Alabama football teams, from 2007-2023, went 12-5 against Auburn in the Iron Bowl, including his last four in a row.
How has UA basketball coach Nate Oats fared? In 10 regular-season games, his teams have gone 6-4 against the Tigers, including a split of the two games last year. Now in his sixth year as coach, Oats has never faced Auburn in the SEC Tournament.
Reach Tuscaloosa News columnist Chase Goodbread at cgoodbread@gannett.com. Follow on X @chasegoodbread.
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This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: What Nick Saban said about Alabama-Auburn rivalry on ‘College GameDay’
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/did-nick-saban-alabama-auburn-172457350.html
Author : The Tuscaloosa News
Publish date : 2025-02-15 17:24:00
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