Nick Saban was not impressed with Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning during a 14-7 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus last Saturday. With that said, he’s not forecasting any more yips from the 21-year-old, predicting he’ll outgrow that quickly during ESPN’s College GameDay from Norman, Oklahoma.
Saban believes Manning had anxiety during the No. 1-No. 3 matchup in Week 1. The 73-year-old coaching legend acknowledged that wasn’t the case during Manning’s two starts in 2024 against the Mississippi State Bulldogs and ULM Warhawks.
“Psychological disposition between how hungry are you vs. how much anxiety are you creating for yourself that all effects your performance, so not to acknowledge that and to ignore that is a huge mistake,” Saban said.
“His footwork wasn’t great. He wasn’t in his normal rhythm throwing the ball.
“This guys is going to grow out of that very quickly. We didn’t even see that last year when he had to play. Playing on the road at Ohio State was a little too much for him, he’s gonna be just fine.”
That led to an awkward, if humorous, exchange between Pat McAfee and Saban, with the former playing the foil to the latter’s long-standing Alabama Crimson Tide pride and current position with the university’s football program.
McAfee asked Saban if he would’ve brought Kalen DeBoer into his office after last week’s 31-17 loss to the Florida State Seminoles. Saban gave a generic answer about supporting DeBoer.
Manning will seemingly be alright, even if expectations of the next great Manning may be exaggerated.
It’s unclear if Saban and McAfee will be behind the scenes after the on-air trolling. Considering they're back together for a second year after similar moments last season, it’s a safe bet.