Nick Saban brought some early morning laughter to ESPN’s “College GameDay” during Saturday’s live broadcast, delivering a memorable zinger aimed at fellow broadcaster Steve Coughlin, affectionately known as “Stanford Steve.” This particular episode was historic, as it marked the first time the pregame show was set at the University of California, Berkeley, and the Cal-Stanford rivalry was quickly in the spotlight.
Coughlin, a former tight end for Stanford, couldn’t resist teasing the Cal fans in the audience. Clad in a Stanford zip-up, he playfully jabbed at the crowd behind him, saying, “I am biased though when it comes to the Cal fans. Whenever I played in that stadium, it was sold out; they do a great job. But I also wonder how many of these people are here because they didn’t get into Stanford.”
His cheeky comment ignited a reaction from the Cal fans, with Pat McAfee shouting, “Shots fired!” But it was Nick Saban who truly stole the moment with his quick-witted response.
Without missing a beat, the legendary Alabama head coach turned occasional ESPN analyst quipped, “If it was so great at Stanford, why did you have a girlfriend here at Cal?” The room erupted in laughter, and the “College GameDay” crew applauded Saban’s unexpected zinger. Coughlin leaned back in his chair, laughing, while McAfee, clearly impressed, patted Saban on the arm and said, “Good question, coach.”
Whether or not Coughlin ever had a girlfriend at Cal remains a mystery, but it was clear that Saban’s playful jab landed perfectly. Known for his typically reserved demeanor, Saban’s deadpan delivery added to the hilarity of the moment.
Meanwhile, Cal was hosting “College GameDay” for the first time, and the campus was buzzing with enthusiastic fans eager to be part of the live broadcast. Even though Cal’s football team isn’t always a contender for the national title, the Golden Bears’ supporters showcased their school spirit on this historic occasion.
However, the day took a bittersweet turn for Cal later that evening when the football team faced a heartbreaking defeat. In a thrilling game against No. 8 Miami, the Golden Bears squandered a 25-point lead, ultimately falling 39-38 in an ACC showdown.
Despite the loss, the broadcast provided Cal with a moment in the national spotlight, and Saban’s witty exchange added a lighthearted highlight to an otherwise eventful day in Berkeley.
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