“He killed us last year." Nick Saban talks facing Jayden Daniels

Jayden Daniels‘ 2022 season is remembered as an up and down experience by most LSU fans, but for Nick Saban, all he remembers is Daniels making play after play to beat his Alabama team in overtime 32-31. The touchdown pass to Mason Taylor in the fourth quarter, the run in overtime to score, and the two point conversion pass to win the game all sit fresh in everyone’s memory.

Now, as Saban prepares to face Daniels in 2023, the Tigers’ quarterback is on a different level. Statistically he’s the best quarterback in the country leading the most efficient and dynamic offense in the country at LSU. For Saban, he’s saw what Daniels was capable of last year in Baton Rouge.

“He killed us last year,” Saban said. “The guy was a really, really good player last year. He’s a really, really good player now. I think overall they execute their offense to perfection, and it starts with him because he makes the right reads relative to runs and passes and zone-option plays and pass-down plays. He’s very good at reading coverages, makes really quick decisions. All those things were evident last year, I think, by the way he played, and I think he’s probably even better now because he has even more experience and knowledge in the offense. And they’ve got really good players around him.”

Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. are the two receivers setting the SEC on fire, near the top of the country in every receiving category and helping LSU shred opposing defenses this year. Daniels’ deep throw accuracy has improved and the ability for his receivers to win their routes has helped instill confidence that this is an offense that can continue to roll.

LSU has posted 500 or more yards each of its last seven games this year, but now against the toughest defense on its schedule, there’s an anticipation to watch how these two heavyweights battle it out in Tuscaloosa on Saturday night.

“They’re the No. 1 offensive team in the country, and it starts with the quarterback, Jayden Daniels,” Saban said. “I mean, this guy is a phenomenal player. He’s a dual-threat player. He’s a great passer. He makes lots of plays with his feet. He’s fast. Not only can scramble to run but can scramble to throw. They’ve got a really good running back in Logan Diggs. They’ve got a good tight end and Mason Taylor. (Malik) Nabers and Brian Thomas are really, really good receivers, but they have also other good skill guys to go with them. Their offensive line is big and physical, and they’re able to create great balance on offense.”

Coming off of a bye week, the offense is as fresh, healthy, and prepared as it has been at any point in the year. There are no question marks heading into this game as they face an Alabama team undefeated in the SEC and eyeing a return to the SEC title game.

Heisman implications

Daniels’ success is the headlining act of a terrific offensive unit, and as a result the Heisman chatter has continued to pick up steam throughout the year. The two losses have hampered Daniels’ odds of winning, but this week’s showdown with Alabama is his opportunity to not only win a game with implications on the season, but leave a lasting legacy at LSU whether he wins the Heisman or not.

With that being said, a win puts him squarely in the lead for the Heisman.

“It’ll be part of the body of work throughout the entire season,” Kelly said of Daniels’ Heisman case. “He’s going to have other games. He’s going to have the Florida game and Georgia State and Texas A&M and postseason, but it’ll certainly be part of the body of work. If he throws four interceptions, and, you know, certainly we don’t play well, that will be part of the body of work throughout the entire season. So again, I don’t know that it’s one game that makes or breaks a Heisman. I think it’s the body of work, and I think we’re seeing that as the season plays out. But certainly, he’s going to be judged on the entire season, and there will be a lot of eyes on this particular game.”