Did Saban say after the 2003 regular season...

[OU_Sooners75]

can't remember if it was before or after the game against OU when he was at LSU....

But didn't he say something to the tune of, "If you are not a conference champion, then you should not be playing in the National Championship game?"

My how 8 years and a chance to play for a National Championship without being a conference champion changes your mind.

[LVSOONER15]

I really can't remember, but if true what a idiot.

[sooner_born_1960]

I don't recall any such comment. If he really said that, he was an idiot back in 2003.

[rekamrettuB]

I recall someone saying it but it seems it was Pete Carroll and it makes sense. Why would Saban say it when he was in the NC? USC was the team looking in.

[SoonerMarkVA]

According to the Intar-webs, it's false.

http://mobile.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/11/29/2596848/nick-saban-2003-quote-oklahoma-state-alabama-lsu

The evidence looks credible. I also have to think if Saban had said that, just about every Sooner (and certainly those on this board) would remember.

[3rdgensooner]

I think it's a myth that Saban said that.

On edit and in response to the above, Dennis Dodds also said it was false.

[OU_Sooners75]

Okay good...then it is just one of many rumors that will be floating around before the rematch.

Pete Carroll does sound about right in saying it...if it was said at all.

[OUHOMER]

Even if he did say it, is he suppose too decline to play in the game?

[AlboSooner]

It was actually Pete Carroll who said that. Saban didn't make much noise that year.

[BoomerSooner123]

No, I believe it was Saban.