Nick Saban Now Claims He Only Wants Alabama to Play Power 5 Teams

Sure, Alabama has formulated a collegiate dynasty over the last decade, but there's always been one concerning storyline surrounding Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide -- their suspect strength of schedule.

Many news outlets and schedule gurus have even ranked 'Bama's SOS as the weakest in the entire SEC for the upcoming 2019-2020 season.

Well, in a recent conversation with ESPN's Chris Low, the lauded head coach claimed that he would like his program to ONLY play fellow Power 5 schools from here on out. Kind of ironic and convenient, no?

Nick Saban told me today he's in favor of playing all Power 5 games and that @AlabamaFTBL is working on a future model to play at least 10 every year. He understands the frustrations of fans. "We have to have a good show if we want people to come." https://t.co/xOtQlLmybx
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) August 9, 2019

"I've always said, 'Let's play all Power 5 games,' " Saban said during the Friday interview. "I was in the NFL where we played all the games against NFL teams. But let's play at least 10 Power 5 games. It would be better for the players, better for the fans, and I think you wouldn't have to worry that if you lost a game that you wouldn't have as much of a chance to still be in the College Football Playoff. They talk about strength of schedule now, but how do you really evaluate that?"

It's about damn time, coach.

Alabama AD Greg Byrne told me there's a reality among his SEC peers that they need to have good games for all involved. "Whether that's additional conference games or additional [Power 5] nonconference games, I think you're going to continue to see it move in that direction."
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) August 9, 2019

Yes, we are aware of the fact that the Crimson Tide lead all Power 5 schools in games played against teams that finished in the Top 25. And yes, Saban's men are 14-3 in those games (including 4-2 in the CFP). However, you have to be as narrow-minded as can be to not admit that Alabama gets FAT each season against lower-tier programs that stand no chance against them.

Are we relieved that Saint Nick is open to turning over a new leaf? Absolutely. But it was far, far too-long overdue.