Nick Saban is against teams planting flags after games.

The former Alabama coach made that point Saturday in a way that only he could during ESPN’s “College GameDay” from Atlanta ahead of the SEC Championship Game between Georgia and Texas.

“We need guidelines, but I think to fine these schools $100,000 is like worrying about mouse manure when you are up to your ears in elephant s-word,” Saban said to the laughter of the rest of the “GameDay” panel. “We have to have guidelines.

“I would be more upset with my team trying to plant the flag because I think it is disrespectful and doesn’t show much sportsmanship. You want to defeat the other team, but this disrespect everyone wants to show is probably not a good part of the game. I think you have to protect the brand. If college football players want to be paid, which they are getting paid now, then they have to do something to protect the brand.”

Last week, flag planting was rampant across college football. A fight broke out at midfield after the Michigan Wolverines’ 13-10 victory when Michigan players attempted to plant their flag on the Ohio State logo and were confronted by the Buckeyes.

Police used pepper spray to break up the players, who threw punches and shoves.

“When you do something like this that is bad for the game, you have to learn how to protect the brand,” Saban said. “Show sportsmanship, so people can identify to the game in a positive way.”

Florida’s 31-11 victory over Florida State in Tallahassee on Saturday night was among at least five rivalry games that featured a post-game fight. A fight broke out after N.C. State defeated North Carolina 35-30 in Mack Brown’s final game as the Tar Heels coach.

Alabama-Auburn and Arkansas-Missouri also included in-game or post-game scuffles.

“I’d be much more upset with my team planting a flag because I think coaches can control that,” Saban said. “If you tell your team that we aren’t doing it, then we aren’t doing it. It’s no different than faking injuries Coaches can stop that, and they can stop this.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.