Published August 27, 2012 - 4:14pm
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We know Nick Saban. He’s notorious for gushing about his opponent a week before the game, all the while planning to punish them physically until his opponents want zero fourth quarter contact. That’s part of the process.
Based on his comments today, Michigan fans probably think Saban is sandbagging and is concerned by the way he spoke so highly of Denard Robinson and how much respect he has for his opponent. This is a Saban commonality.
“They have as significant a player as we’ve seen since we played Cam Newton [in 2010], in terms of what he can do in a game, and how the offense is built around and features him,” Saban said Monday. “They have lots of good offensive players, but he’s the guy whether it’s a zone read or quarterback power, or a pass play – he makes a lot of significant plays in the game that impact the game.
“He’s extremely fast, and has become a better passer each game, each year, and that’s a key.
“He’s different than some guys, in that he extends the play and throws it where some guys take off. He keeps his eyes down the field, and he’s pretty good at that, and has made a lot of big plays doing that.”
After all, Saban is breaking in three new players in the secondary, who all gained valuable experience last season with the exception of transfer CB Deion Belue, as well as two starting linebackers.
Robinson has rushed for 1,000 yards his last two seasons. He’s a good player, and he’s proven he’s the best dual-threat quarterback in the country to this point.
But Saban has been scheming for that ‘self-absorbed’ conference and Robinson for six months now.
I’m sure the critics from the conference up north are sharpening their claws as we speak, ready to lash out when the mighty SEC falls.
Michigan is bearing the rest of the country’s cross against the SEC. Believe it.
Few Bama-Michigan Notes:
- Michigan RB Fitz Toussaint is back with the team after being suspended indefinitely and missing 33 days of practice, and he will be reinstated for the Bama game.
- Bama is still a 12.5-point favorite right now.
- RB Eddie Lacy is getting healthier and is expected to play in the opener.
- Saban loves big early games like this because it’s fun for the players.
