Saban Says “Nice, Older Couple” Hopes Tide Can Maybe Win This Year

   The Tide finished the regular season ranked number one last year, but then they lost in the playoffs to Ohio State, and Coach Saban hopes that setback motivates this year’s team.

"We’ve also talked to the players a lot about hard work, better preparation because we didn’t finish the season very well. Like chopping wood and carrying water. It’s just hard work."

   Bama will have to work hard to win their opener as they face Wisconsin.

Said Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland,"Playing a team like that gets you hyped. It makes you do the necessary things to get better. If you don’t bring your lunch pale and your hat, you’ll get beat on national TV."

   No one knows who will be the Tide’s starting quarterback against Wisconsin, but center Ryan Kelly says he’s trying to mold them.

"But I have to teach them how to play in the SEC all together. All five of us have to be on the same page the entire time or it’s not going to work out. I think the center position is such a big factor in that."

  Even though Bama will have some new faces, the expectations for a national title never change. Right coach.

Said Saban,"You know I had an interesting thing happen to me this summer. I’m at the lake. We’re eating out. And the nicest, nicest older couple that are Alabama people, come up to me and say, coach, we love what you do. Would you take a picture with us? I said absolutely. I got up and took the picture with them. They thanked me, and she puts her hand on my shoulder, and says, maybe we’ll win this year." (laughter)