Two first-year quarterbacks beat Saban before he arrived at Alabama: Florida’s Chris Leak in 2003 while Saban coached LSU and LSU’s Herb Tyler in 1995 while Saban coached Michigan State.

When reached by phone Thursday, the 42-year-old Tyler had no idea he was in such lofty company. “That’s something I can put a little feather in the hat,” says Tyler, a construction worker and father of three living in Baton Rouge.

“Pretty impressive to be one of three freshmen to beat a Nick Saban team.”