This season has been one for the record books. If Alabama Football defeats Ohio State, it would prove to be Nick Saban’s greatest accomplishment of his coaching career.
Nick Saban has had quite the storied career. He is well-known as the greatest coach of all time and rightfully so. From Alabama Football’s 164 wins, five national championships since 2009, seven SEC championships, 98 weeks ranked as the AP Number 1, three Heisman winners, to 33 first-round NFL draft picks, Saban has cemented himself as the best to ever do it. He has created a resume that likely will never be rivaled.
However, what could come to finish the 2020 season could be his greatest accomplishment yet for a few reasons.
1. Alabama Football Undefeated in conference-only play
The Alabama Football team became the first team in College Football history to go undefeated in a ten-game conference-only schedule. Because of the COVID-19 schedule revamp, the Tide dropped its non-conference opponents. The Tide picked up Missouri and Kentucky instead and went on to face Florida in the SEC Championship.
Nick Saban ran the conference-only schedule with ease. The team pulled in victories over fifth-ranked Texas A&M and- at the time- third-ranked Georgia, as well as rivals Auburn, LSU, and Tennessee.
Alabama Football outscored the SEC opponents 547-214. The only close games the Tide faced came against Ole Miss (63-48) and Florida (52-46).
2. Pandemic Playing
The most remarkable feat of finishing out an undefeated conference-only schedule is the manner in which the games were played and the extra preparation that went into playing in a COVID-19 world.
First, games were played with approximately a quarter or less of the fans that are typically in the stands. Home field advantage was a moot point for most games. The Alabama Football team couldn’t rely on an electric Saturday night in Bryant Denny with the new LED lights to create an environment that others would struggle in.
Games had to be won on pure talent and preparation.
3. The “Bubble”
No team has managed the COVID-19 situation better than Nick Saban and the Alabama Football team. The team went the entire 2020 season without having to cancel or postpone a game due to COVID-19 complications or quarantines.
In fact, Nick Saban himself was the biggest name who missed a game due to illness. Aside from Saban, the only starter who missed time this season due to the disease was offensive lineman Evan Neal (out versus Arkansas). Offensive coordinator, Steve Sarkisian, filled in for Saban in his absence for the Iron Bowl.
Saban credits the leadership on the team for the success against quarantine and COVID-19. Returning seniors like DeVonta Smith, Najee Harris, and Dylan Moses helped with that aspect from the younger players. The team really bought into the “bubble” created on campus and worked hard not to jeopardize their games.
4. Awards on awards on awards
In the annual college football awards, Alabama Football set a record for the most awards won by a single team. DeVonta Smith won the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award, Biletnikoff Award, and Walter Camp Player of the Year award. Mac Jones won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and Davey O’Brien award.
The offensive line won the Joe Moore Award. Alex Leatherwood won the Outland Trophy, and Landon Dickerson won the Rimington Trophy. Najee Harris won the Doak Walker award, and Steve Sarkisian won the Broyles Award.
For the number of awards the Alabama Football team won, the award show could have been relocated to the Mal Moore Athletic Complex. It was a record-setting night for a record-setting offense and team.
Regardless of what happens Monday night in the College Football Playoff National Championship game against Ohio State, what Nick Saban has accomplished this season has been impressive. A win Monday night would be the icing on the cake on a near-perfect season.