Bama Turning Attention to Notre Dame

Alabama may be the defending national champs, but they still have a lot of respect for the top-ranked Irish of Notre Dame. Said defensive back Robert Lester,"They're undefeated. They're very talented. They have a lot of play makers."

Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson may not be 'Johnny Football.' But he can cause problems. Said defensive back Dee Milliner,"That can always be challenging for you when you have a quarterback like him. He can scramble. He can make the plays last longer." Added linebacker C.J. Mosely,"At the end of the day, he's a play maker. He's the leader of their offense. He's going to do what he can for that team to win. Just got to prepare the right way. We've got to do the right things to try and stop him."

Linebacker Manti Te'o is the quarterback of the Irish defense. So does the Tide have a game plan for him as well? Said head coach Nick Saban,"He can take on blocks. He's physical. He's tough. He's very instinctive. So there's no saying that, we're going to right at the guy, or we're going to run away from the guy. He's effective either way. That's why he's such a good player." Added Milliner,"I got to sit down with him at a couple of award shows that I was at. I know he's going to make a lot of plays for his team. I'll be out there watching. I told him I'd be watching. I told him if I get in on offense, I'd throw a crack-back on him."

Tide coach Nick Saban is not getting swept up in the history between two of college football's greatest programs. Reporter-"When Alabama and Notre Dame played in the 1973 Sugar Bowl, do you remember being aware of it or paying attention to that match-up then?" Said Saban,"That was how many years ago? 39. I've been married for 41. I had an anniversary just two days ago. December 18th. And I remembered that. So that was a real important thing to remember. I can't remember to be honest with you."