The ultimate college football family is celebrating Christmas in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Terry Saban is enjoying her time with the love of her life, Nick Saban, their children, and grandchildren. The Saban family is opening gifts, but Crimson Tide fans are thankful the family chose the University of Alabama in 2007.
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Alabama fans have unwrapped several items, including six national championships, eight Southeastern Conference titles, numerous No. 1 recruiting classes, four Heisman Trophy winners, and a host of All-American athletes.
Coach Saban delivered back-to-back national titles in 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons. The Tide had inconsistent play this season, but Saban coached the group to an SEC Championship, the top seed in the College Football Playoff, and an opportunity to repeat as national champions. He mentored his first Heisman-winning quarterback (Bryce Young) and 25th Unanimous All-American (Will Anderson Jr.).
Saban is two victories away from providing Alabama the ultimate gift. Back-to-back national titles are great; however, two wins give Saban his seventh national championship with the Tide.
He would surpass the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant for championships at Alabama. Bryant put the Crimson Tide on a national stage, but Saban has made it the “gold standard” of college football.
Teams are obsessed with beating Alabama. They may never win a championship, but they feel accomplished if they defeat the Crimson Tide. Coach Saban brought that effect to the game, and no one has that magnitude.
Also, two wins could signal a potential three-peat.
No team in the sport has won three straight national championships. Two victories for Alabama sets Saban up to have a team in 2022 that could do it again. Fans are grateful for Saban, and they want to see another championship.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
