"Forget the playoffs": Nick Saban's daughter Kristen Saban makes wishes clear after unique Bowl game lives up to the hype
The Pop-Tarts Bowl lived up to its reputation for fun and drama, and Kristen Saban couldn’t get enough. Following Iowa State’s thrilling 42-41 comeback win over Miami, Nick Saban’s daughter took to Instagram to share her admiration for the unique bowl game.
“Forget the playoffs, I want to go to the @poptartsbowl,” she captioned a clip featuring the Pop-Tarts mascot’s antics.
The game was a nail-biter, as the Cyclones returned from a 10-point deficit in the second half. Quarterback Rocco Becht sealed the win with a fourth-and-goal touchdown in the final minute, earning MVP honors. Becht threw for 270 yards and three touchdowns, leading Iowa State to an 11-2 record, the best in school history.
The postgame tradition — a “ritual sacrifice” of the Pop-Tarts mascot toasted and consumed by Iowa State players — added to the entertainment.
Kristen Saban reaffirms Nick Saban's words on comedian Shane Gillis
The former Alabama head coach’s remarks about comedian Shane Gillis gave way to plenty of chatter. His daughter, Kristen, decided to join the conversation in her own way.
Nick Saban shared his thoughts about Gillis’ guest appearance on ESPN’s "College GameDay," where the comedian joked about SEC teams paying players and even poked fun at Saban’s Indiana Jones-inspired hat.
However, Gillis clarified his take later.
“I was joking around. I don't think the SEC paid players ever. 'm joking dude. Are we not ... is this not a fun show? Is this a serious show?” the comedian said. [00:20]
Appearing on the "The Pat McAfee Show," Saban said:
“He was trying to be funny, and I get it, and you know, my daughter Kristen loves him, so that kind of soothes the soul a little bit that somebody in our family likes the guy.”
Kristen didn’t miss a beat, taking to Instagram to reaffirm her likeness for Gillis. Posting a video of her father, she tagged the comedian and wrote,
“@shanemgillis, at least one of us likes you.”
Also read: Kristen Saban drops 4-word message after former Alabama HC refuses to unveil his secret hat