2012 SEC Media Days: Alabama coach Nick Saban trying to fight complacency
Marquavius Burnett | Jul 19, 2012 | Comments 1
Photo by: Austin Bigoney
Nick Saban is unquestionably the best coach in college football right now. He has the entire college football world in the palm of his hand and his Crimson Tide are riding high after two national championships in three years.
- Saban was bombarded by cameras and fans while walking down radio row.
- Saban had an interesting take on how to handle the Penn State situation. “Tax athletic tickets and give the money to abused children organizations.” He also said, “We need to focus more on the outcome than the punishment.”
- Saban jokingly said he was excited to be at media days and was happy the event was moved up a day.
- Saban’s main message to his team is fighting complacency. He said, “It’s human nature to relax.”
- Saban is high on freshman receiver Amari Cooper. He mentioned him during spring practice as well as today as one of the players who could really make plays for the team.
- Saban also pointed out that 2012 team will be defined by what they do and not what Alabama has done in the past. He was quick to note that 2012 team is not like the 2010 team.
- Saban and Steve Spurrier have had a nice back and forth during media days. Saban said (with a hint of sarcasm) he looks up to Spurrier and he even considered wearing a visor on the sideline.
- Saban said playing a national game in the season opener helps his team prepare harder in the offseason because its a tougher test.
- A reporter asked Saban what he thought about the perception nationally that he has too much power at Alabama. Saban responded, “It’s not true, if that’s the perception.”
Instant Reaction:
Marq: Nick Saban has grown from just a defensive minded coach to the voice and face of college football. He fielded a wide range of questions from the Penn State scandal to having too much power at Alabama. He was quick to let every one know that the 2012 won’t get complacent like the 2010 team did and said he likes the leadership on this year’s team. The road schedule is tough for the Tide, but if things go their way, expect Saban to be in Miami looking for a repeat.
Marc: The thing that stands out about Nick Saban were the number of non team specific questions he got. Reporters asked him about questions concerning the game of college football and less about his team. He’s really becoming a voice for the game as a whole. As for the Alabama side, Saban seems determined that the 2012 team won’t make the mistakes of the 2010 unit.
Filed Under: Football
Thank you for great information.Nick Saban has grown from just a defensive minded coach to the voice and face of college football.