Nick Saban Makes Big Projection, Professes Support for West Virginia

Consider West Virginia native and legendary coach Nick Saban among those excited about the hot start of the Mountaineers. Saban even went as far as to label WVU a Big 12 contender during Friday’s Pat McsAfee Show.

“I think there’s a lot of teams in the Big 12 that have a chance and West Virginia is one of them.. When you can run the ball like they run the ball you can shrink the game.. That gives them a hell of a chance to win against Oklahoma State,” Saban said to McAfee ahead of Saturday’s prime-time matchup in Morgantown.

Despite supporting Alabama and LSU, the schools he led to national championships, the loudest, Saban also made it clear he’s a fan of West Virginia as well. “I’m from West Virginia and we all have a lot of pride.. Rich Rodriguez is a West Virginia guy and for him to be successful there is great.”

Coming off the extreme high of upsetting Virginia in the Duke’s Mayo Classic,WVU football will open Big 12 play as a slight favorite against Oklahoma State.

A game many penciled in as a likely loss for West Virginia when projecting the season has now become one oddsmakers view as a close win for the Mountaineers at home. DraftKings and FanDuel both have WVU opening the week as a -1.5 favorite.

West Virginia’s strong effort against a then ranked Cavaliers team also led earning votes in multiple major polls and finishing just outside of being include in the Associated Press’ top 25.

West Virginia and Oklahoma State will battle in a prime-time matchup on Saturday night. Kickoff is set from Milan Puskar Stadium for 7:30 pm ET.

More About Nick Saban:

Saban, a Fairmont, W.Va. native, capped off his career with a 292-71-1 college record, seven national championships, 11 SEC titles and multiple Coach of the Year honors.

Saban arrived in Alabama in 2007 after a failed stint in the NFL as head coach of the Miami Dolphins. He then embarked on an illustrious run that would elevate his entire resume and stature to an epic level, making him the most accomplished college football coach ever. Saban won six of his seven National Championships at Alabama.

The 73-year-old also produced 44 NFL draft picks during his tenure as leader of the Crimson Tide. Before his success at Alabama, Saban won a national championship at LSU, led Michigan State from 1995 to 1999 and served on Bill Belichick’s staff with the Cleveland Browns.

Find more coverage of Nick Saban at WV Sports Now.

Find more coverage of the WVU football program and updates from the game at WV Sports Now.