Jumbo Package: Is this the year that Saban loses to a former assistant?

Happy Monday, everyone. Brad Crawford at 247sports put out a list of bold predictions for the upcoming season, and #1 is a doozy.

The six-time national champion has never tasted defeat against a former assistant, an unprecedented mark that could reach 20 games this fall should Alabama meet Georgia as an unbeaten in the SEC Championship Game. But will it? I have a feeling the 2019 season will be a strange one for the Bulldogs, who will be 11-1 (with a loss to Florida) and playing for a spot in the Playoff vs. the Crimson Tide in Atlanta. After coming up a couple plays short the past two games in the budding rivalry, Georgia will end Saban’s streak in December to win the SEC, but could wind up playing the Crimson Tide again in the Playoff.

Former assistants will have up to four chances to break the streak this year: Jeremy Pruitt will take his shot in Tuscaloosa, Jimbo Fisher in College Station and Will Muschamp in Columbia. It is very likely that Kirby Smart will get another chance in Atlanta, as well.

The Aggies appear to be an up-and-coming program, and that is never an easy place to play. I think we all remember what happened the last time Alabama visited Williams-Brice Stadium, and Georgia has obviously been a struggle the past two seasons. Of course, there is no guarantee that Alabama and Georgia meet again this year.

So, what say you? Which of these games threatens Saban’s streak the most? Vote and leave your comments below.

Unfortunately, Alabama didn’t win any national titles this year.

The Alabama football team didn’t win its 18th national championship this past season, but its runner-up finish was the best among UA athletic teams in the 2018-19 year.

For the fifth straight year and sixth time in nine seasons, the football team took the No. 1 spot in the annual rankings of Alabama sports.

The softball team looks to be a real threat to bring home a title next season along with football.

Five-star ATH commit and projected LB Drew Sanders pulled a hamstring and won’t compete at The Opening, but check out this quote.

“I weighed in at 232 (pounds), I went 10.91 (seconds) this spring in the 100 meters, broke the school record for power clean at 355 (pounds),” Sanders said. “I work my ass off every day. I’m not dodging The Opening. No where near scared of anyone there. Sorry to vent, but pissed I don’t get to compete.”

Those are some ridiculous numbers, folks.

Stave Sarkisian is working hard to flip USC’s QB commit, but so far he isn’t budging.

Sarkisan’s relationship with Young has linked the California QB to Alabama, especially if USC duplicates its five-win 2018 season and missed a bowl again.

“He’s a great guy, great coach,” Young said of Sarkisan. “I have a lot of respect, utmost respect for him. That’s why there’s been communication because I have a lot of respect for him. … It’s a big honor to talk to coach Saban and coach Sark. I have a lot of respect for them and their program.”

Industry insiders maintain that a flip is a real possibility here, but the kid gives no indication of that. We will see.

Someone named Chris Herring is transferring from Alabama to FAU.

Walk-on wide receiver Chris Herring told AL.com he’s transferring to FAU, which is entering its third season with ex-Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin as its head coach.

Herring received some interest from schools such as Division II Arkansas-Monticello after entering the NCAA transfer portal earlier this month but instead chose to walk on at FAU, which is less than four hours away from his hometown (Tampa).

Good for him. Take care of him, Lane.

Kira Lewis isn’t playing much, but the U19 national team is 2-0. Lewis has seven total points, including these three.

He’s undoubtedly gaining some valuable experience either way, but it’s tough to figure why he isn’t getting more minutes. Iowa State’s Tyrese Haliburton is dominating all the minutes at the point, so maybe Bruce Weber has some Big 12 bias going on.

Eryk Anders got another KO.

Ouch.

Cool feature on Jesse Williams, who has decided on photography has his next thing.

By all accounts, Jesse is a fine human being. May he continue to find success.

Last, if you happen to be a Gump who is particularly flush with cash, you can bid on a VIP experience with Nick Saban.

This experience gives you and a guest the chance to:

Meet legendary coach Nick Saban

Attend a regular-season Alabama home football game* at Bryant Denny Stadium as coach Saban’s guest

Prepare for game day by attending coach Saban’s invitation-only “Nick at Noon” reception

Take a private VIP tour of the campus, including the University of Alabama’s football facility

Join coach Saban for his postgame media conference

*Experience must be fulfilled at one of the following 2019 Alabama home games: Ole Miss (9/28), Tennessee (10/19), or Arkansas (10/26).

Proceeds will benefit the Jimmy V foundation for cancer research.

That’s about it for today. Have a great week.

Roll Tide.