New year, same surly Nick Saban. No stranger to giving testy interviews (Maria Taylor has felt Saban’s wrath), Saban supplied another gem in Friday’s Rose Bowl between top-ranked Alabama and fourth-seeded Notre Dame. What set the ‘Bama coach off this time? His damn headphones.
Visibly agitated (which is more or less his default state), Saban couldn’t hear a lick during his halftime chat with ESPN sideline reporter Allison Williams, throwing up his arms in frustration. “I can’t hear you,” said an exasperated Saban, unable to make out Williams’ questions. Fed-up with his defective headphones, Saban abandoned them, hoping that would somehow make a difference. It did not.
The uncomfortable exchange was vintage Saban and, predictably, an instant hit on social media.
Technology (one of his most frequent foes) may have gotten the better of Saban this time, though 'Bama got the last laugh, throttling the Irish to advance to the National Championship. Alabama’s offense was anchored by Heisman Trophy finalist DeVonta Smith, who contributed three touchdowns in the winning effort. The undefeated Crimson Tide will face the winner of Ohio State/Clemson in Miami a week from Monday.
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