Nick Saban, a former head coach of Alabama who is now an analyst, is loving working on ESPN’s College GameDay. Whether it is making jokes with NFL All-Pro running back Marshawn Lynch, a Cal legend, or altering his tie to placate Cal football fans.
The ESPN College Football GameDay team was at Cal Berkeley on Saturday, and the event was packed, as usual. Unlike Saban, who is typically austere, Berkeley was having a great time and was full of joy this morning.
Lynch and Saban made the decision to have some fun while Lynch was a guest selector for College GameDay. The legendary Golden Bear made an appearance to provide predictions for today’s slate of games, which included Cal vs. Miami.
Regarding the Seahawks’ pass on the 1-yard line in Super Bowl 49, Lynch was made fun of by the 72-year-old coach. With the infamous choice of former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll to pass the ball rather than run it with Lynch, Saban had a little fun at Lynch’s expense.
According to ESPN, Saban said to Lynch on the “College GameDay” set, “Marshawn, we may disagree on our pick today, but I am telling you buddy, fourth-and-1 in the Super Bowl at the one, I am giving your ass the ball.”
Malcolm Butler’s interception on that throw play on the 1-yard line, as we all know, was what ultimately won for Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. One of the most significant plays in NFL Super Bowl history is now that one. During a recent podcast episode, Lynch discussed his thoughts on the play.
“To tell the truth, when I glanced at nine other guys, they seemed to be asking me, ‘What the f— just happened?'” Lynch recalled Wilson telling him that with 26 seconds remaining and the score tied at 28, the coaches decided to pass the ball from the 1-yard line.
“Dude, the expressions on my teammates’ faces during the huddle said it all. What the (f-word) did he just call, I am thinking by the time it (set) in.
All you can hear is the opposing sideline’s jubilation.”
That play will go on in infamy and be inextricably linked to Lynch. Nevertheless, it is good to know that Lybch can make jokes about it, even though the 10-year anniversary is quickly approaching.
Considering that Saban is making fun of Carroll and that play, it has become funnier. Make sure to follow Newsweek Sports for additional NCAA updates.
