Former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban knows what it takes to compete for a national championship, and he doesn’t think some teams in the College Football Playoff (CFP) field belong.
During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Saban did not hold back his true thoughts on the controversial inclusion of James Madison University (JMU) and Tulane in the College Football Playoff. Both teams were not ranked in the top 15 of the final CFP rankings, yet each made the playoff as automatic qualifiers by being two of the five highest-ranked conference champions.
Saban made it pretty clear that he does not think either team belongs in the CFP field, comparing their inclusion to a Triple-A baseball team competing for the World Series. He said,
“Look, would we allow the winner of the Triple-A baseball league in the World Series playoffs? That’s the equivalent of what we do when JMU gets into the College Football Playoff and Notre Dame doesn’t. I mean, I don’t want to start any shit here, but it is what it is.”
He indicated that he would be okay with including these teams if they were ranked in the top 15 of the CFP rankings. However, since they are not, he believes they do not deserve a spot.
“To me, if you’re not in the Top 15, I don’t care what league you play in, you shouldn’t be in the Playoffs. JMU, whoever it is, if you’re not in the Top 15, it doesn’t matter. Because you’re taking somebody out of the Playoffs that deserved to be in the Playoffs,” Saban continued.
He elaborated on the fairness aspect, stating,
“So you can think about it one way like we’re letting someone from the Group of Five in, but you’re also taking somebody that should be in out, and that’s not fair. That’s my whole point about would we let the AAA baseball team who wins their league play for the World Series? Doesn’t happen; it’s a different league.”
Saban expressed a preference for Notre Dame to be included in the playoff field instead of these lower-ranked conference champions.
“These guys ought to have their own playoff. If it’s all about money, just give them the money. Give them $4 million and put Notre Dame in. You want to see Notre Dame and Oregon play? Hell yeah.”
As debates continue over the CFP selection process, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see whether the CFP rules change after this year’s controversy.
https://thecomeback.com/college-football/nick-saban-does-not-hold-back-on-college-football-playoff-decision.html
