Nick Saban Identifies National College Football Contender Who Has 'Less Rat Poison'

Michigan triumphed over Nick Saban in the College Football Playoff, which turned out to be his last game.

Prior to this, they completed the previous season as undefeated national champions. Now, facing much lower expectations at this point in the year, Saban believes this is beneficial for the Wolverines.

During an appearance on 'The Pat McAfee Show' from Ann Arbor on Friday, Saban discussed the minimal conversation surrounding the defending champions. He views this as advantageous for the maize and blue, emphasizing the importance of concentrating on the present rather than speculations about their future at the end of a season that has just only just started.

“Yeah, I think absolutely (it’s a good spot). I think, really, some of the issues for some of these teams is going to be how do you manage those expectations, aspirations, whatever. Their goal is to get in the playoff, which is really not a goal. It’s an outcome," Saban said.

"There’s a difference in those two things, alright. So you should be focused on who do you play next? Like we say, play one play at a time, don’t look at the scoreboard. Now we’re talking about something that’s going to happen in December in September when you should be focusing on how do we play the next game. What do we have to do to get better? What do we have to do to finish this game, beat this team, not turn the ball over?”

As Saban might say, there is no 'rat poison' that could harm Michigan at the moment. This is beneficial as it will help them maintain their focus where it is necessary.

“They have less (rat poison). That’s why I think it’s a good thing for them,” said Saban.

“All these teams that we created all this expectation on – like, these teams are going to get in the playoff? That’s the rat poison. That’s what takes your focus away from who are we playing this week? What do I got to do this week, who am I lined up against?” Saban said. “Are you thinking about that or are you thinking about what’s going to happen in the playoffs?”

Michigan remains one of the top teams in the country. Despite losing key players from last year's championship roster, many do not view the Wolverines as the best, either within their conference or on a national level.

Nevertheless, according to Saban, Michigan will manage well from this position. It may even benefit them, allowing them to accomplish what is necessary to reach a place that some doubt they will achieve by the end of the regular season when field selections are made.

“You’ve got to focus on what’s in front of you,” Saban said. “You can’t worry about what’s going to happen in December. You’ve got to worry about what do I have to do to get there so we have a chance in December.”

Related: Nick Saban Identifies 'Rat Poison' for College Football's Top Teams