Nick Saban describes Caleb Down in detail and refers to Auburn as “haunted.

Nick Saban describes Caleb Down in detail and refers to Auburn as “haunted.

It sounds like you’re referring to an anecdote where Nick Saban tells a humorous or intense story involving Caleb Downs, a highly-touted recruit who played safety for Alabama, and calls Auburn “Haunted” in the context of their rivalry or games. While I don’t have access to the exact quote you’re referencing, I can certainly provide a hypothetical, based on Nick Saban’s reputation for storytelling and humor, as well as the well-known rivalry between Alabama and Auburn.

Here’s a reconstructed version of what such a story might involve, pulling from Saban’s persona and the legendary “Iron Bowl” rivalry:

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**Nick Saban Tells Cuss Story About Caleb Downs, Calls Auburn ‘Haunted’**

Nick Saban is known for his no-nonsense approach to coaching, but every so often, the legendary Alabama head coach lets his guard down and shares a more personal, light-hearted moment. Recently, during a press conference, Saban recounted a story about Caleb Downs, one of the newest defensive stars for the Crimson Tide, and used the moment to make a dig at Auburn — a school Saban has had a long-standing rivalry with.

“I’ll tell you, Caleb Downs… this kid is something else,” Saban began, a rare smile creeping onto his face as he leaned into the microphone. “The first time he stepped on the field for us in a big game, you could see the poise. I remember I told him, ‘Caleb, you need to calm down, stop trying to be Superman. Just do your job, and we’ll be fine.'”

A pause, then the familiar grin. “Well, that’s when Caleb turned to me and said, ‘Coach, I’ve been ready for this since I was 10 years old.’”

Saban shook his head. “I can’t even imagine being that confident at that age. But that’s Caleb. He has that fire, that desire to be the best.”

The story seemed to take a humorous turn as Saban continued. “Now, here’s the funny part. After that first game, I was walking off the field with Caleb, and he looks at me, and he goes, ‘Coach, I get it. You’re right. Auburn *is* haunted.’”

The room laughed as Saban paused, making sure the weight of his words landed. “Auburn’s got that spooky, eerie atmosphere. We joke about it, but there’s something about that place. Every time you think you’ve got them, they pull something out of their hat. It’s like the place itself has a way of messing with your mind.”

“People ask me all the time why the Iron Bowl is different. I tell them it’s because that place is haunted, man. Not just the stadium, but the whole state. Something weird happens every time you think it’s over. You can’t let your guard down. You think you’ve beaten them, and suddenly, there’s a trick play or a fumble recovery that defies the laws of physics.”

Saban paused again, his gaze narrowing as if recalling the countless close calls he’s had against Auburn. “That’s why we take them seriously, every single year. Because if you don’t, the ghosts of that rivalry will come back to haunt you.”

The press corps laughed, recognizing the gravity and humor in Saban’s words. As always, the 72-year-old coach had the rare ability to mix his dry wit with deep respect for the traditions and challenges of the sport.

“We’re not just facing a football team when we go to Auburn. We’re facing history,” Saban said, finishing the story with his trademark intensity. “And if you let your guard down, the ghosts of the past will come knocking.”

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In this reconstructed tale, Saban combines his admiration for Caleb Downs’ skills with a lighthearted acknowledgment of Auburn’s unpredictable nature in the Iron Bowl. His use of the term “haunted” highlights the eerie, almost supernatural vibe that many fans associate with the intense and dramatic rivalry. Saban’s cuss story about Caleb Downs might be a playful moment to show that even the best players have to learn how to handle the pressure of big games, especially in the context of the Alabama-Auburn rivalry.