Nick Saban thanks media for 'rat poison' after SEC title win

Nick Saban usually isn’t fond of rat poison. But following the Crimson Tide’s 41-24 victory against Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, he made an unusual admission.

“You guys gave us a lot of positive rat poison,” the coach said. “The rat poison you usually give us is fatal. But the rat poison you put out there this week was yummy. ”

Not many gave the Crimson Tide much of a chance against Georgia’s top-ranked defense. Alabama entered as an underdog, marking the first time in 92 consecutive games it was not the favorite.

Instead, they hung 41 points on the Bulldogs, the most of any team this season. Quarterback Bryce Young made a huge case for his Heisman Trophy chances, throwing for 421 yards and three touchdowns. The loss was the first of the year for the Bulldogs, who entered Saturday ranked No. 1.

Georgia jumped out to a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter, and for a while it appeared this contest would go as expected. However, the Crimson Tide answered the Bulldogs’ first touchdown with one of their own a mere 44 seconds later. Young connected with receiver Jameson Williams for a 67-yard pass.

The teams traded scores for a bit before Alabama took a 24-17 lead into halftime. Coming out of the second half, the Crimson Tide scored two unanswered touchdowns to go up 38-17 with just under 12 minutes left and secure the win.

With the victory, Alabama is undoubtedly assured a spot in this season’s College Football Playoff. Joining them will likely be Georgia and Cincinnati, which won the AAC Championship Game on Saturday to finish as the lone undefeated team in college football.

All eyes are on the Big Ten for the final spot in the Playoff. If No. 2 Michigan defeats Iowa as many expect, the Wolverines would remain in the top four. However, if they lose, expect it to come down to Notre Dame and Baylor.

Either way, Alabama fans can rest easy knowing they are in for certain. Although this week’s rat poison was positive according to Nick Saban, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the narrative change following the program’s seventh SEC championship in the past decade.