Nick Saban, Jimbo Fisher set to face off for first time since war of words

Texas A&M stunned No. 1 Alabama last October, upsetting the Crimson Tide in a defensive battle. Aggies coach Jimbo Fisher became the first former Nick Saban assistant to beat the legendary coach, and that wasn't the end of it. 

Saban seemed to accuse Fisher of recruiting violations in May, setting off a fiery response from the former Florida State coach. On Saturday, Fisher and Saban will meet again in their first head-to-head matchup since the public war of words.

Saban said in May that the Aggies "bought every player in their team," adding that Alabama "didn't buy one player" as he attempted to explain why Texas A&M had the nation's No. 1 recruiting class at the time.

Saban later said at SEC Media Day that he "has no issues or problems" with Fisher and said he wasn't accusing Texas A&M of violating rules, but the comments obviously caught the attention of many at the time — including Fisher himself.

Fisher responded days later, calling Saban's comments "despicable" and "disgusting." "Some people think they're God," Fisher said of Saban, imploring reporters to "go dig into [Saban's] past" to find recruiting violations.

While both coaches have said the spat is water under the bridge, Saban might have a chip on his shoulder this week — if only to avenge last season's loss. 

Alabama is favored by 24.5 points against Texas A&M this time around, but the status of QB Bryce Young is uncertain due to a right shoulder injury.