Nick Saban remembers 9-11 tragedy, resulting impact

As America approaches the 20th anniversary of the 9-11 tragedy, Alabama head coach Nick Saban remembers the emotions of that day. Like many others across the country, he can recall where he was and what he was doing when he heard the news.

“The first thing that comes to my mind is the airplanes flying into the building,” Saban told reporters on Wednesday’s SEC conference call. “The vision of that, where I was – I was at LSU at the time – and seeing that happen, seeing the affect and impact that it had on every individual that worked in the organization, as well as all the players.”

Saban was 2-0 after a Sept. 8 win over Utah State. His LSU team ranked No. 13 in the country and had an important divisional matchup with Auburn in its sights. The events on that Tuesday morning put everything into perspective.

“It wasn’t really about whether you were going to play or not play, it was about handling your emotions relative to what happened (because) the magnitude of what happened was so devastating it was hard to really think about anything else,” said Saban.

The SEC chose to postpone its slate of games as the country searched for answers. Americans collectively mourned the deaths of 2,977 and tended to the injuries of 25,000 others.

It certainly was the best decision not to play,” said Saban. “Probably good for the players and good for everyone to deal with your emotions.”

Now, as the 20th anniversary approaches college football has an opportunity to create a new set of emotions across the country. With Sept. 11, 2021, set to fall on a Saturday, there is a unique opportunity for every college football fan to reflect on the 9-11 tragedy.

The college football slate

This week also features plenty of exciting matchups across the country. While Alabama and Nick Saban are set to make their home debut against Mercer, the is plenty competitive football on television.

This week’s marquee game features Ohio State and Oregon facing off in Columbus, Ohio. The two Top 25 teams will play at noon ET on FOX. While Oregon stars Kayvon Thibodeaux and Justin Flowe are facing injuries, the meeting still presents two high-powered teams looking to build their resumes.

The afternoon CBS game will be Air Force at Navy, a game which will feature unique jerseys to honor those lost on 9-11. The two service academies will face off in the first leg of the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, which is given to the winner of the Army-Navy-Air Force rivalry series.

In addition, the ESPN night cap sees an old rivalry renewed between an SEC and Big 12 school. Arkansas hosts Texas in an old Southwest Conference showdown, which renews as an SEC rivalry soon.