Did Nick Saban Help New England Patriots with Trick Play?

After New England defeated Baltimore to advance to the AFC Championship Game, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was upset about a controversial play that he called "deceptive."

On the play, the Patriots lined up running back Shane Vereen outside like a receiver but was ineligible. Meanwhile, the left tackle position was occupied by an eligible tight end. It led to the defense being confused on assignments and Michael Hoomanawanui running down the middle of the field wide open.

But did that play originate from Nick Saban? This is what Sports Illustrated's Peter King wrote on Monday morning:

I didn’t understand the genesis of it until a friend of mine said it was what Alabama did to LSU in overtime this season. I found the play on YouTube, watched it, and the light bulb went off: Belichick and Saban are very close. There is no doubt in my mind, based on the duplication of the play, that the Patriots got this play from Alabama.

In the play against LSU, Alabama brought five offensive linemen onto the field but left tackle Cam Robinson split out wide right and remained ineligible. That left tight end Brandon Greene in the 'left tackle' position but as an eligible receiver. The play resulted in a 24-yard gain and set up an Alabama touchdown.

Here is a look back at the play.

After seeing both plays, do you think this is something that began in Tuscaloosa or a play that Belichik and Saban have discussed long before it debuted this season?