Many Alabama players took to social media last weekend when Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray won the Heisman Trophy over Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa. According to Alabama DB Deionte Thompson, that’s already in the past as far as the Crimson Tide defense is concerned.

“I wouldn’t say it motivates us,” Thompson told reporters Friday. “If you’re not motivated to play in the playoffs, I don’t think you should even be around. The Heisman Trophy ceremony, that was the Heisman Trophy ceremony. Going into this game, I don’t think it will matter much. He had a hell of a season. He was very good. That’s why he was awarded the Heisman. I don’t think it will have much effect going into the game.”

While Thompson wisely avoided providing any bulletin board material for OU, he also made it clear that UA’s defense is excited for the challenge of facing a high-powered offense.

“You got a Heisman Trophy winner, a very elite offense that can score at will and put up numerous yards in a game,” Thompson said. “It’s a challenge that we have to step up and be ready for.”