Nick Saban was the only person on College GameDay on Friday night brave enough to pick Alabama to overcome a hostile Oklahoma environment.
As usual, Saban was correct.
Saban knew Alabama was going to face adversity with a raucous crowd in Norman. They certainly did. The Crimson Tide found themselves down 17-0 early in the second quarter, but as they have done so frequently this season, Alabama stared adversity in the face and responded.
Alabama scored the game's next 27 points, coming up with every pivotal play along the way to pull out a miraculous 34-24 come-from-behind win to advance to the Rose Bowl.
On Saturday's version of College GameDay, Saban was beaming with pride about the Crimson Tide's resiliency. He was so happy that he started singing James Brown. Not kidding.
"It was a great win for Alabama, great. I'm so proud of that team because that atmosphere was something."
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) December 20, 2025
Nick Saban was feeling good after Alabama beat Oklahoma ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JEUffnJiub
"I said they're gonna have to have the heart of the lion to be able to sustain in that atmosphere, but they drove through the smoke," Saban said. "And baby, I feel good, like I knew that I would. It was a great win for Alabama, great. I'm so proud of that team because that atmosphere was something."
Nick Saban beams with pride about Alabama's comeback win over Oklahoma
Saban still casts a big shadow, but he has been nothing but supportive of Kalen DeBoer since he took over. Through all the noise, Saban has repeatedly stated that he believes in the job DeBoer is doing at Alabama.
Now, maybe Alabama fans can join the legendary coach with that opinion. Because Alabama has taken another step forward in DeBoer's second season.
No matter what happens from here, it's impossible not to call this season a success. Especially with how things started.
After the loss to Florida State, everyone was ready to write the obituary of the DeBoer era in Tuscaloosa. Now, the Crimson Tide has won 11 games and will be headed to the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day with a chance to knock out No. 1 Indiana.
Some may disagree with calling this season a success already, but this team was preseason No. 8. It finished No. 9 in the final CFP rankings, and then beat No. 8 on the road to get to Pasadena. This team has been about what many expected this year, and better, considering the drop in expectations after the first week.
Some fans believed Alabama may not even make a bowl game after that disaster in Tallahassee. Now, Alabama is back in the Rose Bowl, with a chance to get to the College Football Playoff semifinal.