Former Auburn All-American quarterback Cam Newton looks at SEC football without Nick Saban as Alabama’s coach and sees better Saturdays ahead for his alma mater.

“I think it’s our time now,” Newton said during his “4th & 1″ podcast.

But Newton’s guest, DeVonta Smith, didn’t agree.

“It ain’t never going to be y’all’s time,” Smith replied.

Before he was a 1,000-yard receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, Smith was an All-American at Alabama.

Both Newton and Smith won the Heisman Trophy while playing for an undefeated team. Newton won the 2010 Heisman Trophy as the Tigers captured the BCS national championship. Smith won the 2020 Heisman Trophy as the Crimson Tide captured the CFP national championship.

Saban stepped down in January after 17 seasons as Alabama’s coach.

Newton said he had “the utmost respect” for Saban, who lost his only meeting with the quarterback 28-27 on Nov. 26, 2010, in the Iron Bowl known as the “Camback.”

The NFL MVP in 2015 with the Carolina Panthers, Newton said former Alabama and seven-time NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver Julio Jones had provided him with insight on the coach.

“Julio was like, ‘No, bro, Saban, he’s just an accountability type of guy,’” Newton said. “‘If you run away from it, you’re not going to like him. If you lean into it and you stand on business, he’s going to be your type of coach.’”

Smith agreed with Newton this time.

“I think that’s what people don’t realize: You get what you give,” Smith said. “You going to be an asshole, he’s going to treat you like an asshole. … But if you go in, do what you’re supposed to do, handle your business, you’re going to love him.”

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.