Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide had some struggles to begin the 2023 season. The team lost at home to the Texas Longhorns and then barely got by the South Florida Bulls.

Naturally, this led to much talk about Saban being at the end of the road and the Tide dynasty dying out. Instead, the Tide are once again in the College Football Playoff and have a great shot to get another championship.

Ahead of the Rose Bowl matchup against Michigan, Saban spoke on the early-season struggles.

“Well, we had some really good rat poison early,” Saban declared. “It was almost like Wheaties. Everybody criticized us and said we weren’t any good. We’re done and Coach Saban is past his prime. It was like Wheaties, ya know, the breakfast of champions.”

Saban’s team has embraced an underdog mentality this season. Coming in as the No. 4 seed, the Tide have an opportunity to win their 7th championship under Saban.

The Tide will kick off against the Michigan Wolverines in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day at 5 p.m. ET.