Nick Saban Picks the Miami Hurricanes Over Everybody

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It’s College Football GameDay on ESPN and the Miami Hurricanes aren’t playing, but Pat McAfee and the crew haven’t stopped talking about them.

The show is currently in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, as the Crimson Tide look to face the Georgia Bulldogs on prime time. However, with Hurricane Isaias passing through the state, the crew is inside the Coleman Coliseum – the campus’ basketball facility. McAfee is joined by Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, and former Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban. The six-time National Champion was met with cheers.

During the broadcast, the crew was asked a critical question:

“Who is the best team in the country?”

When looking at the Associated Press’ top-10 ranked teams, Herbstreit answered, “I think the best right now in college football resides in Miami, Florida.” He was met with boos from the Alabama faithful. However, Saban followed up with an “I agree with you on that.” The crowd couldn’t share the same expression.

It wouldn’t be the first time the Hurricanes had Saban’s approval. Last season, despite suffering two losses to Louisville and SMU, the 74-year-old believed that if they were to make the College Football Playoffs, it would be dangerous for everyone else. Saban was correct as the Hurricanes went to the National Championship game while beating Texas A&M at Kyle Field in College Station (TX), former reigning champion Ohio State, and Ole Miss.

Despite losing key players from last year’s run, it hasn’t been detrimental.

The Hurricanes currently have the third-highest scoring offense in the Football Bowl Subdivision – a 49.6-point average. Quarterback Darian Mensah is under center and has shown elite accuracy. He currently leads all FBS with an 84.2 completion percentage. The 21-year-old has thrown for 1,438 yards and 15 touchdowns with no interceptions – only 21 incompletions.

Defensively, there were concerns about the voids left by star edge rushers Akheem Mesidor and All-American Rueben Bain Jr. However, no setbacks have been seen to start the season. Hurricanes edge rushers Marquise Lightfoot, Armondo Blount, Damon Wilson II, and Herbert Scroggins III each have at least one sack.

The Hurricanes have the best scoring defense and allowed the fewest rushing yards (116) in FBS.

Regardless of the numbers, Saban knows Mario Cristobal fairly well. He served as an assistant, offensive line coach, and recruiting coordinator from 2013 to 2016. Cristobal saw up close how Saban led the Crimson Tide with an edge and intensity. He’s implemented those same qualities with the Hurricanes while adding different things.

It’s difficult to argue against arguably the greatest head coach in college football.

More Miami Hurricanes News:

– UM's Starting Right Guard Max Buchanan Sidelined for the Foreseeable Future?

– No. 4 UM Scheduled to Host Five-Star Recruits Against In-State Rival

– Former Miami Hurricanes Signee Takes Game Visits With SEC Programs

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