Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban expressed strong disapproval of a pre-game warm-up maneuver executed by Diego Pavia, the quarterback for the Vanderbilt Commodores, prior to their match against Alabama on October 4, 2025. During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Saban described his reaction to Pavia’s decision to perform a kneel-down play as “pissed,” indicating that such actions would not have been tolerated during his tenure at Alabama.
Saban elaborated on his coaching philosophy, emphasizing that he aimed to maintain a psychological edge over opponents. “I never wanted our players to ever do anything that was going to affect the other team’s motivation to beat us,” he stated. He reinforced this sentiment by recalling strict rules he enforced, which included prohibiting players from interacting with the opposing team. According to Saban, “Don’t ever say anything. Don’t ever give anyone a reason. They got enough reason to beat us. Don’t give them anymore.”
In the matchup at Bryant-Denny Stadium, the Alabama Crimson Tide secured a 30-14 victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores. Quarterback Ty Simpson showcased his skills by throwing for 340 yards and two touchdowns. Simpson bounced back from an early interception, completing 23 of 30 passes and connecting with teammates Germie Bernard and Ryan Williams for touchdowns. Additionally, Jam Miller contributed significantly with a rushing performance of 136 yards and a touchdown.
On the other side, Pavia completed 183 yards through the air and added 58 yards on the ground but struggled with ball security, throwing an interception and losing a fumble during the game. Despite the challenges, Vanderbilt’s Sedrick Alexander managed to break free for a notable 65-yard touchdown run.
Saban’s remarks highlight the competitive nature of college football, where psychological warfare often plays a critical role in the lead-up to games. His approach to coaching has shaped the culture at Alabama, where the emphasis on discipline and focus remains paramount.
As Saban continues to share insights from his coaching career through media appearances, he remains a significant figure in college football, influencing both current and future generations of players and coaches alike.
