Which is the only team to beat Nick Saban in SEC championship game? CFB team's rare feat in title games explored

Nick Saban, who retired on Wednesday, dominated the powerful Southeastern Conference, including its championship game, since the turn of the century. Only one team out of 12 beat him in the event, which began in 1992: the Florida Gators in 2008.

The five-time SEC Coach of the Year won nine conference titles with Alabama and two with LSU. That total is more than all but four schools, including Alabama. And only one coach, the Crimson Tide’s other icon, Bear Bryant (14), who retired in 1982, has more than him.

Saban holds a record seven national championships (six with Alabama, one with LSU), besting Bryant by one, and went 292-71-1. In addition to his SEC crowns, he also won a Mid-American Conference championship in 1990 in his lone season with the Toledo Rockets.

A rare stumble: When Nick Saban met the Florida Gators in the SEC championship

Florida Gators

Saban's only defeat in the SEC championship game as Alabama's coach came in 2008 when he faced Urban Meyer's Florida team that featured Tim Tebow, Percy Harvin and Brandon Spikes.

The game was a classic showdown between two undefeated teams that were ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the nation. Alabama had a 20-17 lead in the fourth quarter, but Florida scored two touchdowns in the final minutes to win 31-20 and secure a spot in the BCS national championship game, where they beat Oklahoma 24-14.

That game was the only time Nick Saban lost in an SEC Championship game.

Alabama has a long-standing rivalry with Florida, which dates back to the inception of the SEC championship game in 1992. The two teams have met in 10 SEC title games, with Alabama holding a 6-4 edge.

Legendary snapshots from Nick Saban's tenure in 10 SEC championship games

Nick Saban

Nick Saban was involved in many immortal moments in his 10 SEC championship game appearances in 17 seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

• In 2008, Alabama lost to Florida 31-20, as Tim Tebow led the Gators to a comeback victory and the MVP award.
• In 2009, Alabama avenged its loss by beating Florida 32-13, with Greg McElroy throwing for 239 yards and a touchdown to earn the MVP honors.
• In 2012, Alabama edged out Georgia 32-28 in a thrilling game that came down to the final seconds. Eddie Lacy rushed for 181 yards and two touchdowns to win the MVP award.
• In 2014, Alabama cruised past Missouri 42-13, with Blake Sims passing for 262 yards and two touchdowns and running for another score to claim the MVP trophy.
• In 2015, Alabama defeated Florida 29-15, with Derrick Henry rushing for 189 yards and a touchdown to secure the MVP award and the Heisman Trophy.
• In 2016, Alabama dominated Florida 54-16, with Reuben Foster leading the defense with 11 tackles and two sacks to earn the MVP honors.
• In 2018, Alabama rallied from a 14-point deficit to beat Georgia 35-28, with Josh Jacobs scoring two touchdowns and adding another on a kickoff return to win the MVP award.
• In 2020, Alabama outscored Florida 52-46 in a high-scoring shootout that featured over 1,000 yards of offense. Najee Harris scored five touchdowns and had 245 yards from scrimmage to win the MVP honors.
• In 2021, Alabama upset Georgia 41-24, with Bryce Young passing for 421 yards and three touchdowns to win the MVP award and the Heisman Trophy.
• In 2023, Alabama survived Georgia 27-24, with Jalen Milroe throwing a game-winning touchdown pass in the final minute to win the MVP award.