As similar as No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama look on the field, the head coaches on either sideline couldn’t be more different.
On one side is LSU coach Les Miles – a witty, strange-talking, grass-eating ball coach adored by players and fans alike.
On the other side stands Alabama coach Nick Saban – a strict, smart, sound and successful football general, envied by everyone outside of Tuscaloosa.
The coaches have a 2-2 record against each other and will face off on the biggest stage yet in what’s sure to be a 60-minute chess match.
“I think it’s a big part of the attraction of the game,” said CBS Sports broadcaster Verne Lundquist in a teleconference.
“You have the image of the stern task-master at Alabama against the looser personality of Les Miles. The contrast of the personalities adds to the billboard that we can use about game.”
While the contrasts between the coaches are countless, Gary Danielson, CBS Sports college football analyst and Lundquist’s partner-in-crime, said he is struck by the number of similarities between the two.
“Both are guys who learned their football up north and have their ties set to a strong, ‘run the ball between the tackles’ feeling of commitment and tough football,” Danielson said in a teleconference. “They’re both in charge of football teams … that can pretty much guarantee 15 to 20 first-round draft picks every year. Because Nick was [at LSU], that adds to the