Nick Saban says Alabama not using No. 2 ranking in first CFP poll as motivation

Alabama is ranked No. 2 in the first College Football Playoff rankings of 2017, which is something many people thought coach Nick Saban would use as motivation for his team.

However, if that is what he’s doing, Saban isn’t letting the media in on his plans.

During his Wednesday night press conference, Saban said he didn’t even know Alabama was No. 2 until recently, adding that he doesn’t think the CFP rankings are important at this point in the season:

Saban on CFP rankings: "I didn't know we were No. 2 until a little bit ago. That's how important I think it is."

— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) November 1, 2017

Saban: I know you all want to make this a big story, but don't make it about me because it ain't going to be about me.

— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) November 1, 2017

The reason Alabama is No. 2 is because the Crimson Tide don’t have quite as good of a resume as No. 1 Georgia. The Bulldogs beat Notre Dame (the No. 3 team in the first rankings) on the road in Week 2.

However, the Tide will have three chances to bolster their resume in the next four weeks, as LSU, Mississippi State and Auburn are all ranked.

Then, should Alabama take care of business in those games, an SEC Championship matchup against Georgia could be in the works.