It’s official: Retired Nick Saban is peak Nick Saban!

Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban turns 73 years old Thursday marks the first birthday since the 1970s that he hasn’t played in a game. (Related: Miami releases epic hype video for Heisman candidate Cam Ward, can we give him the trophy now?)

Fast forward two days to Saturday, and his birthday was extended in a truly spectacular way. Saban, who appears weekly on ESPN’s “College Gameday,” was expecting a gift from Penn State’s mascot, the Nittany Lion. The show took place in State College, Pennsylvania, and featured a top-five showdown between No. 3 Penn State and No. 4 Ohio State, and during the pregame festivities, the Nittany Lion handed Saban…a costume of his own. Ta.

Yes, Saban was given a Nittany Lion costume, which he actually wore on live television. And the moment was made even brighter courtesy of “Game Day” co-host Pat McAfee. Pat McAfee had Saban wear a costume and sing a “We Are Penn State” chant.

clock:

The Nittany Lions brought a gift to Nick Saban for his birthday 🎁 🤍 pic.twitter.com/OPXOMkDZOm

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) November 2, 2024

This is why we love college football!

And as we get down to business, make sure you all take my bets. I have a ton of correlation legs that I can use throughout the day.

Free Set (Louisville vs. No. 11 Clemson):

-Tyler Schauf (Louisville QB) – Less than 253.5 passing yards.
-Jacorey Brooks (Louisville WR) – Less than 82.5 receiving yards

Subscribe to my bet 👉 https://t.co/ZkSUM1E1H4 https://t.co/gDJ2TGoszM

— Andrew Powell (@AndrewPow3ll) November 2, 2024

Everyone, let’s get this money!