Nick Saban had some interesting comments ahead of Alabama’s Sugar Bowl matchup against Kansas State. For the 2nd time this season, Saban referred to “energy vampires.”

Saban first mentioned the term back in August, telling ESPN that “energy vampires” are “guys that take all your time because they’re not doing what they’re supposed to do.” In this instance, Saban said that team preparation for the Sugar Bowl has been “the most enjoyable [non-playoff] bowl practice experience we have ever had — I’ve ever had.”

“Those (energy vampires) are the kind of guys that don’t end up playing in bowl games, and don’t end up doing the best things and make the best choices and decisions for the team and all that,” said Saban, according to AL.com’s Mike Rodak.

Saban also acknowledged the frustration of not making the playoffs. However, he’s happy with the way his current players have dealt with that letdown.

“When you don’t make it, it’s a little bit of a letdown and then it’s a tough motivation to get the guys going,” he said. “Sometimes it’s like pulling teeth and] it’s a tough motivation to get the guys going. It hasn’t been this year. Hopefully, it will show up on the field Saturday.”

Kickoff is set for noon ET Saturday on ESPN.