After a defeat, Nick Saban boldly predicted to Archie Manning that “we would have won three national championships if Eli had come to LSU.”
In the world of college football, few names evoke as much reverence and respect as Nick Saban. Known for his unparalleled success at the University of Alabama, Saban’s legacy as one of the greatest college football coaches of all time is undeniable. His coaching philosophy, attention to detail, and unmatched ability to recruit and develop talent have made him a figure whose opinion carries substantial weight in the world of college sports. But even Saban, with all his success, has moments where he reflects on what could have been. One such moment occurred when he boldly predicted to Archie Manning that, had his son Eli Manning chosen to play for LSU instead of Ole Miss, he and the Tigers would have won at least three national championships.
This prediction, made in the wake of a tough defeat, underscores the intense rivalry between Saban’s Alabama and Manning’s Ole Miss, but also the personal reflections on what might have been for LSU during the early 2000s. As we delve deeper into this bold assertion, we will examine Saban’s comment, the context surrounding it, and the greater implications of Manning’s recruitment and its impact on LSU football history.
The Saban-Manning Connection
Nick Saban and Archie Manning, two legends of the football world, have a long history of respect and rivalry. Saban, at the time, was the head coach of LSU from 2000 to 2004 before eventually moving on to Alabama, where his career skyrocketed to unprecedented heights. Archie Manning, the patriarch of the Manning family, is a revered figure in his own right, having played quarterback at Ole Miss before becoming a beloved figure in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints. His sons, Peyton and Eli Manning, would go on to become two of the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history.
The connection between Saban and the Manning family runs deep. Not only did Saban have a personal and professional relationship with Archie Manning, but he also tried, unsuccessfully, to recruit Eli to LSU. While Eli ultimately chose to play at Ole Miss, where he became a college football icon, there is little doubt that his decision had significant ramifications for both programs.
Saban’s comment to Archie Manning came after a heated rivalry between LSU and Ole Miss, where Eli’s presence at quarterback for the Rebels gave them a competitive edge. The implication of Saban’s statement was clear: with a player of Eli’s caliber, LSU could have been the dominant force in college football during those years. At the time, LSU was a competitive team under Saban, but the Tigers were still looking for a transcendent quarterback to elevate them to the next level.
The State of LSU Football Under Nick Saban (2000-2004)
Nick Saban’s tenure at LSU was marked by success and the beginning of a resurgence for the Tigers. In his first year as head coach in 2000, Saban led the Tigers to an 8-4 record, and the team showed glimpses of potential. Over the next few seasons, LSU improved steadily, finishing 10-3 in 2001 and 8-5 in 2002. By 2003, however, LSU had made the leap into the elite of college football, finishing with a 13-1 record and winning the BCS National Championship. The Tigers’ victory over Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl, capped off by a dominant performance, solidified Saban’s reputation as one of the top coaches in the country.
However, as dominant as LSU had become under Saban, there was still a glaring hole: quarterback play. While LSU had a talented roster, including future NFL stars on both sides of the ball, their quarterback situation remained inconsistent. In 2003, Matt Mauck, while a serviceable quarterback, was never considered among the elite in college football. Despite his leadership and contributions to the national championship run, Mauck wasn’t the type of quarterback who would elevate LSU to sustained dominance year after year. And that’s where Eli Manning could have made all the difference.
Eli Manning’s Recruitment and His Impact on LSU’s Future
Eli Manning, the son of Archie Manning and the brother of Peyton Manning, was one of the most highly coveted recruits in the early 2000s. As a five-star prospect, Eli had all the tools to become a star quarterback at the college level. His strong arm, poise in the pocket, and football IQ made him an ideal candidate to take over any college program, and he had a number of top schools pursuing him aggressively.
While Saban made a significant effort to recruit Eli to LSU, ultimately, it was his decision to attend Ole Miss that would have long-term consequences. The recruitment battle between LSU and Ole Miss was fierce, with both schools offering Eli the opportunity to lead their programs. In the end, Eli’s decision to play for his father’s alma mater was influenced by several factors, including the familiarity of playing in Oxford and the opportunity to carve out his own legacy.
Eli’s choice to attend Ole Miss turned out to be one of the most important decisions in college football history. At Ole Miss, Eli became an iconic figure, leading the Rebels to a number of significant victories and finishing his college career as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. His leadership and consistency were a key factor in Ole Miss’s success during his time there.
However, for LSU, Eli’s decision to go elsewhere created a missed opportunity. Had Eli Manning come to Baton Rouge, the Tigers would have had a franchise-caliber quarterback leading them during Saban’s tenure, potentially transforming LSU into a true national powerhouse. Saban’s comment to Archie Manning after a loss, where he boldly predicted that LSU would have won multiple national championships had Eli chosen LSU, was a reflection of this missed opportunity.
The “What-If” Scenario: LSU With Eli Manning
Had Eli Manning chosen LSU, the landscape of college football, particularly in the SEC, could have looked vastly different. With a quarterback of Eli’s caliber, LSU’s offense would have been elevated to new heights. The Tigers, already a powerhouse on defense and special teams, would have had the quarterback play necessary to consistently compete for national championships.
- 2003 Season: National Championship Potential
- While LSU did win the 2003 national championship, the question remains whether the Tigers could have been even more dominant with Eli at quarterback. Eli’s presence would have undoubtedly provided the offense with a level of consistency and explosiveness that was lacking. In a season where LSU’s defense was dominant, Eli’s ability to move the ball and make plays in critical moments could have turned what was a good championship team into an even greater one.
- 2004-2006: Sustaining Success
- Following the national title in 2003, LSU had a slight dip in performance in 2004, finishing with an 8-4 record. A quarterback like Eli Manning could have been the difference between a good but inconsistent season and a dominant one. With Eli, LSU could have avoided some of the midseason struggles and potentially challenged for another title. Additionally, a quarterback of Eli’s caliber would have helped LSU compete in a highly competitive SEC during this time.
- The years 2005 and 2006, which saw LSU finish with 11-win seasons, could have been even more fruitful with Eli Manning under center. Given that both seasons were marked by strong defenses and talented rosters, Eli’s leadership could have been the difference in key games, particularly in postseason play.
- Sustained National Dominance
- With Eli Manning at the helm, LSU could have become a perennial contender for national championships, challenging for SEC titles year after year. With Saban’s recruiting prowess and Eli’s playmaking ability, LSU could have established a dynasty that would rival that of Alabama under Saban’s leadership. LSU’s recruiting would have likely taken off in a big way, attracting top talent from across the nation, knowing that Eli Manning was the quarterback who could lead the Tigers to championships.
Saban’s Legacy and the Impact of Eli Manning’s Decision
In the end, Eli Manning’s decision to attend Ole Miss rather than LSU may not have directly altered the course of college football history, but it certainly had an impact on LSU’s trajectory. While Saban still managed to achieve great success at LSU, including a national title in 2003, his bold prediction to Archie Manning reflects the understanding that, with a player like Eli, the Tigers could have been even more dominant.
Saban’s ability to adapt and succeed without Eli is a testament to his coaching prowess. However, the “what-if” scenario of LSU with Eli Manning is a fascinating one—one that could have reshaped the college football landscape in the early 2000s. Regardless, Saban’s statement is a reminder of how much of a difference one player can make in the course of a program’s history, and how close LSU came to having a transcendent quarterback during a time when they were already on the verge of greatness.
