Alabama head coach Nick Saban has never been one to shy away from offering candid takes, and his latest comments about Ohio State fans and their intense rivalry with Michigan have ignited a firestorm of reactions. Speaking during a guest appearance on a sports talk show, Saban delivered a lighthearted but biting critique of what he called Ohio State fans’ “psychotic obsession” with Michigan, going so far as to suggest, “They need to get therapy.”
The remarks, though laced with humor, have sparked debates across the college football landscape about the nature of rivalries, fan behavior, and the often irrational passion that defines the sport.
During the interview, Saban was asked about college football’s greatest rivalries, including the storied Alabama-Auburn Iron Bowl. Naturally, the conversation shifted to “The Game,” the annual showdown between Ohio State and Michigan, a rivalry that is arguably the most intense in college football.
“Don’t get me wrong, I respect the rivalry,” Saban began. “It’s what makes college football special. But some of these Ohio State fans? It’s like their entire identity revolves around hating Michigan. It’s a little… unhealthy.”
The seven-time national championship-winning coach went on to explain that while rivalries are integral to the culture of college football, they should never overshadow the broader enjoyment of the game.
“You can’t let one game or one team dominate your entire mindset,” Saban said. “If beating Michigan—or losing to Michigan—ruins your whole year, you might need to step back and get some perspective. Or maybe, you know, get therapy.”
For Ohio State fans, Saban’s words cut deep, particularly in the wake of two consecutive losses to Michigan under head coach Ryan Day. The defeats have caused unrest within the Buckeye fanbase, which has long prided itself on dominating the rivalry. Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh’s resurgence has only added fuel to the fire, with the Wolverines not only winning on the field but also appearing to win the mental game against their rivals.
Saban’s critique comes at a time when tensions between the two fanbases are at an all-time high. Ohio State fans have flooded social media with everything from memes to conspiracy theories about Michigan, including the recent sign-stealing scandal that rocked the Wolverines’ program.
“Ohio State fans are obsessive,” Saban said, addressing the controversy directly. “But obsessing over whether Michigan knew your plays or not isn’t going to change the outcome. It’s football. It happens. Move on.”
Saban’s comments carry weight not just because of his status in the game, but because of his own experience managing rivalries. As the face of Alabama football, Saban has dealt with the intense emotions of the Iron Bowl rivalry with Auburn, as well as clashes with LSU and other SEC powerhouses.
“Rivalries are about passion, but there’s a fine line between passion and obsession,” Saban noted. “If you’re spending more time worrying about your rival than enjoying your own team’s success, you’re missing the point.”
His advice could serve as a wake-up call to a portion of the Ohio State fanbase, which has arguably let the Michigan rivalry overshadow other aspects of the program’s success.
As expected, Saban’s remarks have drawn mixed reactions. Ohio State fans took to social media to defend their obsession with the Michigan rivalry, with many pointing out that the animosity is mutual.
“Maybe Saban should focus on Alabama instead of lecturing us,” one fan tweeted. “We’re passionate because it’s *The Game.* It’s not an obsession; it’s tradition.”
On the other hand, some fans admitted that the rivalry can sometimes go overboard.
“Honestly, he’s not wrong,” another fan wrote. “I’ve seen people ruin their whole week because of Michigan. We’ve got to chill out a little.”
Nick Saban’s comments highlight an important question: where’s the line between healthy rivalry and unhealthy obsession? For Ohio State fans, the Michigan game is more than just a football contest—it’s a cultural phenomenon. However, Saban’s critique suggests that perspective and balance are key to truly enjoying college football.
As Ohio State gears up for another showdown with Michigan in 2024, fans may take Saban’s advice to heart—or they may double down on their passion. Either way, the rivalry will remain one of the most compelling narratives in college football. For now, though, it seems Nick Saban has added a new layer of intrigue to the ongoing saga between Ohio State and Michigan.