The former Crimson Tide head coach had glowing remarks about the Oklahoma defense on The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday.

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson was a Heisman frontrunner in October, but his play declined noticeably late in the regular season. He threw for 326 yards last time out vs. Oklahoma, but wasn’t as sharp in games against Auburn and in the SEC championship game vs. Georgia.

A day before the College Football Playoff kicks off, Nick Saban fired accusatory cheating allegations towards a top SEC program.

Former Alabama coach Nick Saban discussed the Tide’s matchup with Oklahoma during his weekly appearance on the Pat McAfee Show on Thursday. Saban was asked about quarterback Ty Simpson and his struggles with turning the ball over in recent weeks. Simpson has fumbled 5 times this season and has thrown 4 interceptions in his last 4 games.

Nick Saban feels Alabama football’s offensive success against Oklahoma Friday will lean on the Tide’s ability to protect Ty Simpson. Simpson was sacked four times when the Sooners defeated the Tide in Tuscaloosa earlier this season.

Ex-Alabama football coach and current ESPN college football analyst Nick Saban bought a minority stake in the NHL's Nashville Predators with business partner Joe Agresti.