Nick Saban compares Deshaun Watson to Cam Newton

Nick Saban witnessed firsthand just how good Deshaun Watson is in last year's national title game.

The Clemson quarterback shredded the Alabama defense to the tune of 405 yards passing and four touchdowns, and Saban definitely took notice.

"How can they not pick Clemson," Saban said Tuesday about Alabama's national-title odds. "Deshaun Watson is the most dominant player in college football since Cam Newton. I don't care who plays quarterback for us. He ain't gonna be that good."

That's high praise coming from arguably the best coach college football has ever seen, and considering Newton is coming off a season where he was named NFL MVP.

Saban may have overlooked none other than Johnny Manziel, though. When Manziel wasn't dealing with off-field issues, he was starring for Texas A&M and giving Saban's defense fits.

Manziel once threw for five touchdowns and 464 yards while running for nearly 100 more against the Crimson Tide.