Four years ago an unranked Ole Miss squad rolled into enemy territory early in the season and pulled off a stunning victory over a team considered by many to be a national title contender.
Nick Saban wanted to make sure history didn't repeat itself Saturday in Tuscaloosa. With his undefeated, top-ranked Crimson Tide welcoming the Rebels to Bryant-Denny Stadium this weekend, Saban showed Alabama the video of Tim Tebow's famous remarks after Florida lost to Ole Miss. After No. 4 Florida lost to Ole Miss by a single point on Sept. 27, 2008, Tebow gave an impassioned post-game speech to the media. The Heisman Trophy winner apologized for the loss and promised to push his teammates harder than ever. The Gators did not lose a game for the rest of the year.
"Somebody beat [Florida]. At home, in their place and then there was the famous speech. ‘It's never going to happen again,’" Saban said. "Well, do you have to have an 'I told you so' game and does somebody have to give that speech for you to do what you need to do to realize what's at stake, to realize the opportunity you have to have a very successful, significant season if you can play one game at a time and respect the people you play, and play to your very best each and every time that you play? That's the challenge and that's what we're looking forward to as coaches.”
It's safe to say Saban's move paid off. The Crimson Tide easily disposed of the Rebels on Saturday night, 33-14.
(H/T to Larry Brown Sports)
