[Tuck4Bama]

Regardless of what happens to the University of Alabama's defense Saturday, the onus will fall on coach Nick Saban's shoulders. Deservedly so.

Should the unit come together to stifle Florida State, Saban will receive much of the credit for his schemes.

But should the unit allow the Seminoles offense to run wild, Saban will receive much of the blame - for one specific reason.

He is the one who found Jimbo Fisher, plucked him out of obscurity seven years ago, and helped him become one of the nation's high-profile assistants.

Fisher is now the offensive coordinator for Florida State, which plays the No.22 Crimson Tide in Jacksonville, Fla., on Saturday. According to Saban, there is "no doubt" Fisher is one of the country's best at his job.

Chances are, had Saban become LSU's head coach before the 2000 season and not hired Fisher, he wouldn't be on the opposing sideline Saturday.

In essence, if Alabama loses, Saban should blame himself for discovering Fisher in the first place. Of course, Saban tried to hire him at Alabama, but Fisher chose to coach for FSU coach Bobby Bowden instead.

Still, Fisher is appreciative of the role Saban played in his career.

Saban may regret mentoring Fisher- al.com

[Stoney]

There is a buch of rivalries going on with this game within the game Saturday.

[rolltide277]

Great coaches litter the nation with other great coaches. IMO the bigger the coaching tree the greater the success for the program. Go Bama.

[Stoney]

It is a shame that the really great coaches rarely get a shot because they didn't come from a SUPERSTAR Program in Division 1. For years I said Troy State's coach should have been coaching in Division 1. Somebody listened and Troy stepped up thier program. It will take time but he will have an impact.