Nick Saban discusses importance of ‘right mindset’ ahead of away game at Auburn
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Nick Saban knows that Alabama can’t look ahead to Georgia and the SEC Championship Game. The Crimson Tide’s 1st order of business is beating Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday.
The Tigers fell to New Mexico State in their last outing while the Tide breezed past an overmatched Chattanooga. But Saban understands that his team needs to be mentally sharp heading into the Plains.
“This is a challenging team for us,” he said on Monday. “I think our guys need to have the right mindset of what it takes to be successful in this, especially on the road.”
Saban was complimentary of Auburn’s defense and “very aggressive” special teams, but noted both Payton Thorne and Robby Ashford’s ability in the run game while spotlighting wide receiver Jay Fair and tight end Rivaldo Fairweather, who have combined for 63 catches and 649 yards. Fairweather has totaled 6 touchdowns, 2nd among pass catchers on the team.
“They have a very difficult offense to prepare for with the multiples they give you,” Saban said.
Alabama has won the last 3 Iron Bowls but has dropped 2 of the last 3 on the road. It needed 4 overtimes to take down Auburn in the 2022 edition.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
