"This is the most difficult thing for me because getting a very welcome homecoming back here at LSU, having won a championship here at LSU," Saban said. "The biggest difference for me is that I can't get rude against all the players we recruited that are still playing for Alabama, so I've got to go with Alabama."

With Alabama and LSU facing each other on Saturday, here's a look back at Nick Saban's record vs. both the Crimson Tide and Tigers in the rivalry series:

Legendary college football coach Nick Saban let there be no doubt where his loyalty lies when giving advice to the LSU women's basketball team.

Nick Saban explained on ESPN's College GameDay what it's like to return to Baton Rouge for the LSU-Alabama game. Saban led the Tigers to the 2003 national title.

With Alabama taking on LSU on Saturday, here's a look back at Nick Saban's tenure with the Tigers, including his overall record, bowl wins and more:

Nick Saban and the ESPN College GameDay crew stole the show all morning in Baton Rouge with all focus on Saturday night's LSU versus Alabama matchup. After a 17-year tenure with the Crimson Tide, Saban joined the ESPN College GameDay crew this year and hasn't skipped a beat.

Even given all the potential conflicts of interest involved, Saban probably could've done a better job making life easier for his successor, Kalen DeBoer. He probably didn't mean to give the Tigers any bulletin-board material ahead of Saturday night's showdown,