Nick Saban didn’t hold back.

He criticized Michigan and Ohio State for their brawls after the Wolverines’ 13-10 win last Saturday, but also criticized the NCAA for fining each program.

The legendary former coach wasn’t happy with anyone involved.

“I think we need guidelines, but I think a $100,000 fine for these schools is like worrying about mouse droppings when you’re up to your ears in elephant feast,” Saban said Saturday at the ESPN’s “College GameDay.”

Shortly after Michigan’s victory over Ohio State – its fourth straight in the storied rivalry – the Wolverines players began celebrating with their flag near midfield and the Buckeyes’ logo.

A scuffle then broke out when Ohio State players prevented Michigan players from flying their flag.

This led to police using pepper spray on players on the field.

The incident was one of a few similar skirmishes to occur across the country during rivalry week.

“I would be more upset if my team tried to fly the flag because I think that’s disrespectful and doesn’t show a lot of sportsmanship,” Saban said. “You want to beat the other team, but that disrespect that everyone wants to show is probably not a good part of the game.

“And I think you have to protect the brand. If college football players want to get paid what they are getting now, then they need to do something to protect the brand. The NFL protects its brand. If you do something like this that harms the game, you need to learn how to protect the brand. Show sportsmanship so that people can positively identify with the game.”

Saban believes head coaches should control behavior.

“I think coaches can control that,” Saban said. “If you tell your team, ‘We’re not going to do that,’ we won’t do it. It’s nothing more than faking injuries. Coaches can stop this, they can stop this. And I think it’s good for the game if we stop it.”