The first game in the expanded era of the College Football Playoff takes place on Friday night, and as everyone expected, it’s Notre Dame Fighting Irish versus the Indiana Hoosiers.

After years of mediocrity, making the playoffs with an 11-1 season is a major step forward for Notre Dame, and comedian Shane Gillis has an explanation for why the Irish are in for a truly special year. They can finally compete with the SEC conference by paying their players.

Gillis joined ESPN’s “College GameDay” broadcast from South Bend on Friday afternoon and took the opportunity to poke fun at the SEC and new GameDay host and former Alabama head coach Nick Saban.

“This feels different, it feels like we could win,” Gillis said. “There is a certain level of equality as everyone can now pay their players. Notre Dame has a chance, not just the SEC and Coach Saban.”

Shots were fired.

Nick Saban, ESPN GameDay commentator. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Nick Saban isn’t happy with Shane Gillis’ joke

Later, when Gillis joined Saban at the GameDay panel, Pat McAfee pointed out, “You called him a cheater earlier,” to which Gillis deadpanned, “I was just kidding, I don’t think the SEC players ever do.” paid.” .”

After a few moments of awkward silence, Gilles repeated, “No, I was just joking, isn’t this a funny show?”

Saban, clearly understanding that it was a joke, still defended himself, saying he didn’t run his program that way, he tried to run it with integrity and they “cheated” by sending players to NFL stars would have developed.

It’s not exactly a secret that the SEC, and likely many other schools, have been heavily involved in providing financial opportunities for top players and recruits. After all, it just means more.

However, Gillis is a comedian, and that’s what comedians do. If anything, he should have continued. At least he called Saban “Alabama Jones” because of his confusing hat choice.