He has twice. His second year at CMU had the most equivalent layoff time too (11/30 - MACCG, 1/6 - International Bowl). He won that game but lost the Orange Bowl to Virginia Tech in the 2008 season at Cincy. Of course, Saban has been a coach at the FBS level much longer than Kelly and has went 6-3 in NYD or later bowls (4-1 in BCS bowls).
Saban has the track record of having his team ready off the long break both in bowl scenarios and these kickoff classic games against a quality opponent to open the season. I don't assume that Kelly can't do the same, we just don't have the sample size to make any real judgements either way. Kelly hasn't ever really had to deal with a layoff where they are the focus of conversation and his players and himself are constantly being asked to speak to quarterback clubs and media folks. I tend to think that part is overblown, the real issue is managing the players so they get dialed in at the right time. If the team is on mental tightropes about the game too early, they tend to get psyched out.
Saban has perfected his approach but it may not work for everyone and it doesn't guarantee victory either. He likes having a few practices before Christmas, where they do nothing but "camp like" drills. A few more practices after before NYD where it is also a "camp like" atmosphere with a little game prep. Then they use the rest of the practice time to game prep. They try to keep things the same...don't make it a game prep atmosphere until as late as possible.