During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Nick Saban called out Ohio State fans for their inability to move on from the team’s recent woes against Michigan.
Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban, now a College GameDay commentator for ESPN, has clearly reached his limit with Ohio State fans and their over-the-top fixation on the Michigan rivalry.
Appearing on a recent episode of The Pat McAfee Show, Saban — who’s transitioned comfortably into broadcasting after a legendary coaching career — didn’t hold back as he criticized what he sees as an unhealthy obsession that’s taken the rivalry to an extreme.
“You know, we’ve kind of gotten on their fans a little bit. But these Ohio State fans? They’ve got a psychotic obsession with Michigan and they need to go get therapy or something to try to get it fixed,” Saban said.
“Ohio has a psychotic obsession with Michigan”
Nick Saban making fun of Ohio will never get old.
Nick they are obsessed with us cause we smash their brains in and steal their lunch money every year pic.twitter.com/J3xv8aXU5a
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) December 27, 2024
He didn’t stop there. He went on to point out that the Buckeyes, despite having a shot at the national championship, are stuck sulking about their loss to Michigan.
“Nobody’s excited about their opportunity to play because they lost to Michigan,” he said, adding the Buckeyes probably beat themselves with “correctable mistakes.”
Ouch. Double ouch. But where’s the lie?
Saban’s comments shine a spotlight on the uncomfortable truth for Ohio State fans. Since Ryan Day took over in 2019, the Buckeyes have been stuck in a loop:
1. Lose to Michigan.
2. Have a meltdown.
3. Repeat.
Sure, there have been positives. Day’s teams are loaded with talent, have made four College Football Playoff appearances in six seasons, and have even won Big Ten titles. But let’s face it — none of that seems to matter when it comes to the Wolverines’ utter domination over Ohio State. Day’s 1-4 record against Michigan looms larger than any playoff berth or Big Ten trophy.
Ohio State fans have created a world where beating Michigan is the benchmark for success. Win the Big Ten? Cool, but did you beat Michigan? Make the playoffs? Fine, but what about Michigan? Even if they manage to win a national championship, some fans will probably still grumble about losing to the Wolverines.
Saban’s suggestion that Ohio State fans “go get therapy” isn’t just a roast — it’s practically sound advice. Michigan is living rent-free in the heads of Buckeye Nation, and the obsession is getting unhealthy. This year’s loss to a 7-5 Michigan team (thanks for the reminder, Nick) has sent their fans into a tailspin.
Sure, the Buckeyes are set to face Oregon in the playoff quarterfinals, a team that handed them a loss earlier this season. But even if they win it all, will it matter if they can’t take down Michigan next year?
Doubtful.