Nick Saban, SEC Nation, ‘I Hate Tennessee Guy’ signs rock pregame at Alabama

Nick Saban, SEC Nation, ‘I Hate Tennessee Guy’ signs rock pregame at Alabama

Alabama and Tennessee fans hit campus in Tuscaloosa to soak in “SEC Nation,” Nick Saban, tailgating and much more on a beautiful Third Saturday in October.

The Crimson Tide head coach visited the SEC Network set to preview the rivalry game along with host Laura Rutledge and analysts Tim Tebow, Jordan Rodgers, Roman Harper and Paul Finebaum.

Bama and Vol fans brought some funny signs, including one honoring and quoting the viral “I Hate Tennessee” guy (aka the great Irvin Carney): “They lowdown, they dirty, they some snitches!”

Saban was in a smiley mood on set. Once finished, he and his motorcade zoomed away with precision, as the “SEC Nation” crew filled the next two hours.

The show, fans (in clashing crimson and orange) and legendary coach set an awesome scene for what should be another memorable chapter in one of college football’s greatest rivalries.

But the mystery remains: Which fans will smoke victory cigars on Saturday?

See the photos below.

Nick Saban on the set of “SEC Nation” before the Alabama-Tennessee game in Tuscaloosa Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com)

Alabama vs. Tennessee Fans SEC Nation 2023

Alabama and Tennessee fans gather on campus for SEC Nation, tailgating and more in Tuscaloosa Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com)

Alabama vs. Tennessee Fans SEC Nation 2023

Alabama and Tennessee fans gather on campus for SEC Nation, tailgating and more in Tuscaloosa Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com)

Alabama vs. Tennessee Fans SEC Nation 2023

Paul Finebaum greets fans on the set of “SEC Nation” before the Alabama-Tennessee game in Tuscaloosa Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com)

Alabama vs. Tennessee Fans SEC Nation 2023

Alabama and Tennessee fans gather on campus for SEC Nation, tailgating and more in Tuscaloosa Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com)

Alabama vs. Tennessee Fans SEC Nation 2023

Alabama and Tennessee fans gather on campus for SEC Nation, tailgating and more in Tuscaloosa Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com)

Alabama vs. Tennessee Fans SEC Nation 2023

Nick Saban on the set of “SEC Nation” before the Alabama-Tennessee game in Tuscaloosa Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com)

Alabama vs. Tennessee Fans SEC Nation 2023

Alabama and Tennessee fans gather on campus for SEC Nation, tailgating and more in Tuscaloosa Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com)

Alabama vs. Tennessee Fans SEC Nation 2023

Nacho Alabamo shows off his ice near the set of “SEC Nation” before the Alabama-Tennessee game in Tuscaloosa Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com)

Alabama vs. Tennessee Fans SEC Nation 2023

Nick Saban and Laura Rutledge on the set of “SEC Nation” before the Alabama-Tennessee game in Tuscaloosa Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com)

Alabama vs. Tennessee Fans SEC Nation 2023

Alabama and Tennessee fans gather on campus for SEC Nation, tailgating and more in Tuscaloosa Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com)

Alabama vs. Tennessee Fans SEC Nation 2023

Alabama and Tennessee fans gather on campus for SEC Nation, tailgating and more in Tuscaloosa Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com)