I agree with your point that he knew exactly what he did, being a master of details. He must have been pissed losing the game when it was so close within reach, and also must have some mixed feelings inside seeing the players that he recruited and the monster team that he helped created (jump started) beat his present team.
Yep, he used to make me cringe sometimes because I wanted very badly to like him, but he wasn't likeable. Sort of like, if I was in Baton Rouge and saw Coach Miles somewhere, I would speak to him and tell him how happy I am he's our coach. I would NEVER have thought to approach Saban. And it was as back-handed of a compliment as he could've given during the handshake. Coach Miles will probably get a good laugh out of it, as he adds Saban to list of NC coaches he's beaten.
You all may be correct but I have to admit, I'd never thought of that angle til this thread. As a coach, it's one of the things I tell other coaches on a loss- when it's fitting. I also make it a point to tell "Standout" players that they're a fine athlete. Given the circumstances and Saban's "Ways", I guess it surely could have been left handed but it's not uncommon, among coaches, to say that.
There was recently a writeup on the impression given by the owner of Ruffino's restaurant(ex LSU football player who knows both Saban and Miles) in a recent LSU campus magazine (forgot which one it was). Basicaly, Saban talks about football and nothing else, whereas you can talk with Miles about anything. Really contrasting personalities.
back handed compliment = veiled insult I think anyway. If not, yours is probably more true. Either way, I laughed out loud when I realized what he said.
