Budding Rivalry? Nick Saban Talks 'Pivotal' Texas A&M Aggies Matchup

Before the Aggies and Crimson Tide's matchup on Saturday, Alabama head coach Nick Saban had some things to say about the yearly series between the two schools.

While appearing on the Pat McAfee Show Thursday afternoon, Alabama head coach Nick Saban was asked if he felt that there was a "new budding rivalry" between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Crimson Tide.

"I think rivalries come from other teams being good," said Saban. "LSU has always been really good, so that became a big game. It wasn't really a natural rivalry, and I think Texas A&M is kind of the same way; they've got a really good team this year. Every year we've played them, this has been a pivotal game for them and for us."

Head Coach Jimbo Fisher signals to his offense / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Saban is correct in emphasizing the weight that Saturday's matchup holds. The winner will gain sole possession of first in the SEC West, while the loser will join the other one-loss teams and fall a game back.

A win for the Aggies would arguably be Jimbo Fisher's biggest win since arriving in College Station five years ago. While it's still early, a win would certainly put Atlanta and the SEC Championship in sight for Texas A&M.

Despite all of these implications, there is something else that adds even more to this "rivalry." Over a year ago, Fisher and Saban were going at it, trading verbal blows in press conferences as Saban accused Fisher of buying players to get the top-ranked 2022 recruiting class. Fisher would deny the claims and fire back at Saban, infamously saying, "Some people think they're god."

Since then, there has been speculation about the two head coaches' relationship, something Saban also addressed while on the Pat McAfee Show. 

"Jimbo is a good coach, he's a good guy, we come from the same part of West Virginia, I've known him for a long time, and he's done an outstanding job [at Texas A&M]," said Saban. "I respect him as an offensive coach about as much as anybody we play against."

Even with their disagreements, the mutual respect between Fisher and Saban has been evident throughout the week, as both have complimented each other on different occasions.

To finish off his discussion with McAfee, Saban acknowledged the atmosphere that makes him believe Texas A&M and Alabama is a rivalry game.

“It’s going to be two good teams playing, and we gotta do it on the road in a tough environment. I think that’s a challenge most players really like. That’s why they come to a place like this, to play in games like this.”

The Aggies and Tide meet Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on CBS as they battle for the top spot in the SEC West.