Nick Saban won’t be coaching for No. 2 Alabama’s primetime showdown against visiting No. 3 Georgia due to COVID-19.

However, that apparently isn’t preventing the outcome from counting against his record. An Alabama spokesperson told Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports that the game will go on Saban’s record.

NCAA spokesman Dave Worlock explained the decision to CBS Sports regarding the sidelined Crimson Tide coach:

“Typically when a coach misses a game, or a limited number of games, due to a temporary illness, the wins and losses that take place during his/her absence, count on the head coach’s won-lost record. But if an institution knows its coach is going to miss some time to an illness or other unexpected circumstance, they can inform us in advance if they want the win or loss to go to an interim coach.

“Generally speaking, a one-game absence (and hopefully that is the worst-case scenario) with the coach able to still communicate with his staff and players, would result in the head coach having wins and losses count against his/her won-lost record. Again though, it’s up to the school to decide.”

This is quite a fascinating choice by Alabama. It’s certainly a vote of confidence that offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian can extend Saban’s undefeated record against his assistants to a perfect 22-0.

This decision adds another fascinating layer to what was already shaping up as a potential instant classic.