Olivia Dunne and Paul Skenes may not have been the most energetic guest pickers in College GameDay history, but the first couple of LSU certainly managed to stir up some excitement with a playful jab at Nick Saban. During their appearance, Livvy took aim at the legendary Alabama head coach, eliciting an animated response from Saban in a hilarious moment that centered around an unexpected topic—Vanderbilt football.
It’s almost surreal to think about: Olivia Dunne, Paul Skenes, and Nick Saban discussing Vanderbilt football live on ESPN. Just a few years ago, such a scene would have been unimaginable, but it perfectly reflects the unique and entertaining times we’re living in today.
The whole exchange between Dunne and Saban had its origins in comments that Saban made on The Pat McAfee Show back in September.
During the show, Saban spoke about the environments at SEC stadiums and, in his characteristic bluntness, mentioned that Vanderbilt was the only place in the conference where it wasn’t difficult to play. It was a less-than-flattering remark about the home field of the Commodores, implying that the atmosphere in Nashville wasn’t intimidating.
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Not long after, Vanderbilt turned the tables on Saban when it upset Alabama at home, and the Commodores didn’t hesitate to rub it in. Following their unexpected victory, Vanderbilt displayed Saban’s previous comments on the scoreboard, taking a lighthearted but pointed jab at the legendary coach.
It was a rare moment of triumph for Vanderbilt, and they relished the chance to poke fun at the man who has dominated SEC football for so long.
Fast forward to Saturday, with College GameDay in Baton Rouge for the Bayou Bengals’ showdown against the Crimson Tide. Dunne and Skenes were chosen as the co-guest pickers for the day, bringing their LSU flair to the event. As usual, Dunne was a big hit with the young fans in attendance, drawing cheers and attention.
During the show, it came time for the guest pickers to make their predictions for the matchup between Vanderbilt and South Carolina. When it was Dunne’s turn to make her pick, she decided to take the opportunity to reference Saban’s earlier comments in a sly but effective way.
“Someone once said that Vanderbilt was the easiest place to play in the SEC… but not today! I’m going with Vanderbilt,” Dunne said with a confident smile.
The crowd loved it, and it was clear that Dunne had come prepared. Her quip about Saban’s previous remarks was clever, well-timed, and delivered with a dose of LSU pride. The playful jab didn’t go unnoticed, especially by Saban, who was sitting just a few feet away.
Saban, never one to let a challenge go unanswered, took the opportunity to fire back. After Paul Skenes mentioned that he and Dunne had worked together on their picks and even done some “homework” in preparation, Saban seized the moment for a light-hearted dig at Skenes.
“Paul, is this the first homework you’ve done at LSU?” Saban quipped, eliciting laughter from everyone on set.
It was a perfectly timed retort from Saban, showing his quick wit and sense of humor. The exchange was one of the highlights of the day, as the legendary coach engaged in some friendly banter with the young couple. For Saban, who is typically known for his intense focus and serious demeanor, this moment showcased a different side of him—a playful, jovial side that fans don’t often get to see.
The interaction between Dunne, Skenes, and Saban was a reminder of why College GameDay remains so popular. It’s not just about analyzing matchups and making predictions; it’s about the personalities, the rivalries, and the fun that comes with college football.
Dunne’s witty jab and Saban’s quick comeback provided an unforgettable moment that captured the essence of what makes the sport so entertaining.
For Olivia Dunne and Paul Skenes, their appearance on College GameDay was a chance to represent LSU with pride, and they did so in style—delivering laughs, banter, and memorable moments.
For Nick Saban, it was an opportunity to show that even the greatest coach in college football history can take a joke and dish it right back. It may have been one of his best moments on College GameDay, proving that even amidst fierce competition, there’s always room for a little fun.
