The legendary Nick Saban, a name synonymous with college football greatness, is back in the spotlight, and honestly, we should all be paying attention. ESPN just dropped its new docuseries, “Saban,” on October 8th, a six-episode deep dive into his epic career. But what everyone is buzzing about, years later, is one of the most clutch, gut-wrenching decisions he ever made: benching Jalen Hurts during the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
The Play That Changed Everything For Alabama and Hurts
Remember that 2018 CFP title game? Alabama was down 13-0 at halftime against Georgia, with Hurts under center. Saban pulled the trigger, bringing in true freshman Tua Tagovailoa, and it sparked one of the most insane comebacks in championship history. Alabama clawed their way back to a 26-23 victory. Saban won six championships with the Crimson Tide, but that particular title was hands-down the most dramatic, the kind of story you tell your grandkids about. It was a brutal call for Hurts, but man, did it ever light a fire.
Saban on Hurts: Character That Forged a Champion
That benching was a seismic shift for both Hurts and Alabama. Hurts transferred to the Oklahoma Sooners the following season, while Tagovailoa became the full-time starter. But Saban, speaking in the docuseries and on “College Gameday,” has nothing but praise for how Hurts handled that adversity. He said, “I think people should recognize how much character he really has, and that’s what has propelled him to be a great player in the NFL and winning a Super Bowl… It actually made him better.” You hear that? *Made him better.* And honestly, looking at Hurts now, Saban isn’t wrong. Eight years later, Hurts has been to two Super Bowls, won one of them, and even snagged Super Bowl MVP honors. That’s not just “pretty good,” that’s superstar status. It’s wild to think that moment, feeling like the end for him at Alabama, was actually the launchpad.
Another Bama-Georgia Battle Looms
Speaking of Alabama and Georgia, those two undefeated rivals are set to clash again this Saturday night. They’ll be squaring off at Bryant-Denny Stadium, kicking off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC. With a Hurricane Isaias weather report in the mix, you know it’s going to be another wild one. Don’t miss it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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