Saban questions Texas A&M crowd noise before Aggies face Miami in playoff
Former Alabama coach says Kyle Field may be piping in crowd noise; CFP first-round game set for Kyle Field
Nick Saban weighed in on Texas A&M's home-field advantage ahead of the first-round College Football Playoff game against Miami at Kyle Field. The former Alabama coach, now an ESPN college football analyst, suggested the Aggies amplify crowd noise to disrupt opponents, citing one of the sport's most intimidating venues as a possible factor in the playoff equation.
Saban described Kyle Field as among the noisiest atmospheres he encountered as a road coach, and he asserted that the stadium's operators sometimes pipe in crowd noise to boost the decibel level. The remarks came during an appearance on Pat McAfee's show on Thursday, in which he noted the volume makes it hard to hear and communicate on the field.
Under NCAA rules, artificial crowd noise is allowed when used by conference policy or mutual consent, provided the level remains consistent for both teams. The rule also allows bands and other sounds but requires the music to stop when the snap is imminent; referees may halt play to adjust if necessary.
Texas A&M earned a College Football Playoff berth despite losing its regular-season finale to Texas, and the Aggies will host Miami in the first round at Kyle Field with kickoff set for 12 p.m. ET. Miami, which has faced hostile environments in recent seasons, is expected to contend with a raucous home crowd on game day in College Station.
Kyle Field has long been considered a home-field advantage in the SEC, a factor Saban's observations touch on as the playoff field narrows. The Hurricanes will travel to College Station for a matchup that blends playoff implications with the tradition of a stadium known for its energy and tradition as fans push the volume higher in pursuit of an upset.
Amid the discussion about crowd noise, the game will crown a playoff winner and a potential path toward the national semifinals. Miami's visit to Kyle Field is set for kickoff at 12 p.m. ET, a time slot that often tests visiting teams when the crowd is at full throat and the home team is playing with a playoff spotlight on it.