Watch: Nick Saban Singing Along to Darius Rucker’s “Wagon Wheel” Is Everything

On Saturday, the NCAA offered more than a few memorable matchups as Kentucky looked to upset the Georgia Bulldogs. Ranked No.1 in the country, Georgia barely beat Kentucky 13-12. Although a close matchup, the play of the day didn’t go to a player or even a team – it went to former Alabama coach Nick Saban, who found his groove while watching Darius Rucker perform “Wagon Wheel.” 

For any fan of college football, there is no better way to kick off a Saturday of football than with College GameDay. Besides offering some insight into the day’s matchups, College GameDay produces some hilarious moments and interactions. And with Saban added to the lineup, the insight from the coach is priceless. But when Rucker took the stage for a special performance, Saban couldn’t help but show some dance moves. 

Much like those in attendance, they praised Rucker for his performance of “Wagon Wheel” and “Beers and Sunshine.” Picking two of the best songs to perform for college football, Saban revealed his close connection with the hit song. “Every Saturday night we had a karaoke party at our house in recruiting, and the No. 1 requested song was ‘Wagon Wheel.’”

[RELATED: Darius Rucker Pays Tribute to Toby Keith With Moving Performance of “God Love Her”]

Darius Rucker Not The First To Record “Wagon Wheel”

Looking at what fans said about the performance, most pointed to how happy Saban was. “It’s awesome seeing how comfortable Nick is with gameday. It’s great to have him on gameday because I don’t think anyone would see this side of him.” Another comment included, “This is the happiest Coach Saban has looked yet this season.”

While Rucker is known for playing the song, “Wagon Wheel” shared a deep history with other groups. Taking a trip back to the 1970s, the iconic Bob Dylan teamed up with Ketch Secor to write the song. Over the decades that followed, groups like Old Crow Medicine Show watched as the song went Platinum. Covered several times, Nathan Carter released a version in 2012. And just a year later, the song hit the airwaves again thanks to Rucker. And with Rucker showing his spirit for the South Carolina Gamecocks, the singer appeared to embrace the college football lifestyle. 

Although producing a stellar performance, it didn’t help the Gamecocks that much as the team lost to LSU 36-33.

(Photo by Jason Davis/Getty Images)