Nick Saban on tush push: 'Anybody can do it, so it doesn't really matter'

The Brotherly Shove, the tush push, the cheek sneak — no matter what you call it, you either love it or you hate it. What can’t be argued, however, is its effectiveness.

Banned in high school sports, it has become a controversial topic in the NFL this season after the Philadelphia Eagles began using it to great success before nicknaming the play after its own city. Now, college football might need to make a decision before too many programs catch onto it.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban has now commented on the polarizing play call. While it might be popular among fans — player safety is his main concern as the play is likely more brutal under the pile than it looks on a camera or even in person.

“We have tried to make a lot of rules over the last few years that are intended to enhance player safety,” Saban said. “I don’t think that’s a play — when people are aggressively pushing the pile forward — that is sort of something that enhances player safety. From a player standpoint and a competitive standpoint, anybody can do it, so it doesn’t really matter. It’s not a competitive advantage one way or another.

“But I do think there may be a conversation on how it could impact player safety in terms of doing that aggressive pushing of the pile.”

Of course, Saban and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts are all too familiar with one another. Hurts is getting shoved into the end zone or across the first-down line on a weekly basis with the play. Hurts has yet to be injured while executing the play — but most people will tell you it’s only a matter of time because the play is too physical with literally too many pieces moving at once. One wrong step on an ankle or any other freak accident or injury is possible in a 22-man pile.

It seems that Saban wants to discuss the tush push a bit further before using it himself, so it’s unlikely the Crimson Tide will be using it during their goal line sets this weekend against the Arkansas Razorbacks.

The opening kickoff for Saturday’s Week 7 matchup inside Bryant-Denny Stadium is scheduled for Noon ET live on ESPN. The Crimson Tide head into the back half of game week as 19.5-point betting favorites, according to Vegas Insider. The over/under total is set at 46.5 points.