Nick Saban has a Coach Prime problem when it comes to making college picks
Nick Saban isn't picking against the No. 23 Colorado Buffaloes in their matchup against the No. 17 BYU Cougars. Both teams will face off in the Valero Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28. On Saturday episode of "College GameDay," the former coach jokingly said that his wife, Terry Saban, will not allow him to pick against Deion Sanders' team.
"I'm not allowed to pick against Deion. Ms. Terry orders. Colorado," Nick said.
What happened the last time Nick Saban picked against Coach Prime?
"Coach Prime" and Nick have remained friends for years and worked together on Aflac commercials. However, that didn't stop the former Alabama Crimson Tide coach from picking against Sanders earlier this season.
Fans may recall that Nick picked against Colorado (9-3, 7-2 Big 12) when they faced the UCF Knights (4-8, 2-7) in Week 5 on Sep. 28. Before the game on "College GameDay," he predicted that the Knights would run the football and overwhelm the Buffaloes on offense. Terry was a special guest on the episode and supported the NFL legend.
"Against our good friend Deion? Really? He(Deion) texted me this week and said what a great job you were doing. I got your back, Deion. Colorado," Terry said.
The prediction didn't work out in Nick's favor, as the Buffaloes had a dominant 48-21 victory over UCF. It seems the former coach is listening to his wife's advice and not picking against Sanders' team again. That said, BYU (10-2, 7-2) may present a different challenge for Coach Prime than the Knights did.
Valero Alamo Bowl: BYU vs. Colorado preview
BYU and Colorado emerged this season among the best in the Big 12. Both came close to competing in the College Football Playoff but fell short. The Valero Alamo Bowl presents an opportunity for one of the teams to end the season on a high note by winning the trophy.
One of the key factors of the game will be if the Cougars can handle the Buffaloes on defense. BYU has the best defense in the conference, allowing the least yards with 3,804 and the most interceptions with 20.
One of the Buffaloes' strengths is quarterback Shedeur Sanders's passing. He enters the game with 337 completed passes for 3,926 yards and 35 touchdowns. The 2025 NFL draft prospect's performance will significantly affect the team's chances of winning.
He'll have cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter to make the plays needed to get into scoring position. Wide receiver LaJohntay Wester could be another key target for Sanders to score a touchdown if Hunter is covered. The matchup will be a test for Coach Prime's son as he must be careful how he throws against the Cougars in the bowl game.