Another one bites the dust

The GIST: Before we dive deeper into Bama’s bombshell gridiron news, there’s chaos to discuss on the hardwood, where six ranked men’s teams suffered upsets…since our last newsletter just 48 hours ago. Sheesh.

A men’s hoops upheaval: On Wednesday, No. 3 Kansas, No. 5 Tennessee, No. 9 Oklahoma, No. 11 Marquette, and No. 21 Clemson all lost to unranked opponents, just one night after No. 1 Purdue and No. 2 Houston endured the same fate. Anarchy? Nope, just college basketball.

• Then last night, Santa Clara kept the party going with a wild 77–76 win over No. 23 Gonzaga — their first over the ’Zags in 13 years. Top-25 who?

• This pandemonium adds even more drama to the weekend’s biggest matchup, when upsetees Kansas and Oklahoma face off with redemption on the brain at 2 p.m. ET tomorrow on ESPN+. Must-win is an understatement.

Another undefeated women’s team tumbles: With a shocking 87–66 thrashing by unranked Kansas, No. 4 Baylor became the fourth perfect squad to fall in the last week — meaning there are just two unbeaten teams left in Division I basketball: the women of No. 1 South Carolina and No. 2 UCLA.

• The latter will face a monumental challenge in one-loss No. 9 USC Sunday at 5 p.m. ET on the Pac-12 Network. Could South Carolina be left the last woman standing?

The GIST: As you read, Alabama HC Nick Saban — arguably the greatest college football coach ever — has officially retired, marking yet another massive change in the sport’s landscape. The 72-year-old Saban leaves behind an unmatched legacy of excellence. Here’s how his 28 years as a HC stack up:

Zero: The number of losing seasons in Saban’s career. Along with stints at Toledo, Michigan State, and LSU, his all-time record is 292-71-1 (wins, losses, ties), but at Alabama? His record is 206-29. Unreal.

7: How many national trophies Saban’s hoisted — the most of any HC in college football history. He won his first with LSU in 2003, then six with the Crimson Tide, most recently in 2020.

49: The number of first-round NFL draft picks he’s coached, also the most in the sport’s history. Saban’s led more than 160 pro draft picks out of the tunnel, including four Heisman Trophy winners (college football’s MVP).

55%: The increase in Alabama’s enrollment since he arrived in Tuscaloosa. Today, out-of-staters make up most of the student body, a testament to the nationwide brand Saban helped build.

109: The weeks Saban’s squads have been ranked No. 1 in the AP poll (nearly seven full seasons of polls). That’s the most — stop us if you’ve heard this one before — in college football history.

Infinite: Saban’s trademark rage passion, which is as much a part of his public persona as winning. He’s known for expecting perfection, but also for being one of the most supportive HCs in the game.

What’s next: For Saban? More tee times. For Alabama? They’re aiming to anoint his successor before the weekend’s out and are reportedly considering some massive names, many of whom were once Saban’s assistants. And since the transfer portal clock resets if an HC leaves, any major hire could send shockwaves throughout the NCAA. Hold onto your butts!

🏒 Women’s hockey: No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (16-2-0) vs. No. 2 Minnesota Golden Gophers (16-3-1) — Tonight at 7 p.m. ET and tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET — B1G+

• A No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup between two of last year’s Frozen Four contenders smack in the middle of the PWHL revolution? Hell yes. Women’s hockey is the moment, full stop.

⚽ Women’s soccer: 2024 NWSL Draft — Tonight at 8 p.m. ET — ION

• Fifty-six of the over 200 registered collegiate stars will see their pro dreams come true tonight. Learn how the draft works before projected top picks like UCLA forward Reilyn Turner’s and UNC midfielder Ally Sentnor’s names are called. May the odds be ever in their favor.

🤸 Women’s gymnastics: Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad Session 2 — Tomorrow at 4 p.m. ET — ABC

• This meet has three sessions (aka four-team mini meets, or quads), but Session 2 is by far the most compelling: No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 2 Utah, No. 5 LSU, and No. 12 UCLA boast some of the sport’s biggest names, and they’re going head-to-head-to-head-to-head tomorrow.

🏀 Women’s basketball: No. 14 Indiana Hoosiers (14-1) vs. No. 3 Iowa Hawkeyes (16-1) — Tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET — FOX

• No surprise here: Iowa’s Caitlin Clark is the hottest thing in hoops. The triple-double machine and Wooden Award watch lister has been racking up highlight after highlight. Last year’s matchup with the Hoosiers was an absolute banger, so this one’s a must-watch.

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