#5 – 2013 Alabama vs Notre Dame – 10 Most Important Games of the Saban Era

Welcome back to our weekly edition of Throwback Thursday, a look back and countdown of the 10 most important games of the Nick Saban era at the University of Alabama. We continue on this week with our 5th ranked game, the 2013 BCS National Championship.

Had this game played out the way it was supposed to-an epic showdown of two of the most historical universities in collegiate football, I would probably rate this game a little bit higher than it is. However, this game is not what we thought it would be.

Coming into the game, Manti Te’o was one of the most decorated linebackers in the country, praised for his leadership and ability to lead the Irish back to the top. This was the defense that would stifle the Alabama rushing attack in the National Championship game and Bring Notre Dame back to prominence.

But that didn’t happen.

What did happen is Alabama ran it down the throat of the Irish defense; Te’o included, and then did it again. And again. Then when the Crimson Tide got bored, AJ McCarron exploited the over aggressive play of Notre Dame, hitting receiver after receiver with the play action pass.

I remember watching the game and almost losing interest in the second quarter.

In 2008 before the LSU game, Nick Saban screamed to “dominate the man you are playing against” and make him quit. That night in Miami Gardens, Alabama made Notre Dame quit, this time for a national championship.

Regardless, it was this game that cemented Alabama’s standing as a dynasty and puts Nick Saban in the discussion as one of the greatest coaches of all time. So watch again and enjoy.