Nick Saban gave a heartfelt opening statement after the overtime loss to Michigan in the Rose Bowl on Monday night. The Alabama coach took responsibility for not getting the Crimson Tide to the national championship.

“Obviously we’re very disappointed about the outcome of the game,” Saban said. “I don’t think we played great in the first half, but I was really, really proud of the way our players played in the second half. We just didn’t finish the last 4 minutes of the game like we’d like to and we’re all very disappointed and the players are very disappointed as well.”

After 5 sacks in the first half, Alabama made notable adjustments in the second half, and also benefitted from a slew of special teams mistakes by Michigan. But after Blake Corum scored for Michigan to open overtime, Jalen Milroe was stuffed at the 3-yard line in an attempt to tie the game.

Saban then shared his locker room message to players after the game.

“This is one of the most amazing seasons in Alabama football history in terms of where this team came from, what they were able to accomplish and what they were able to do, winning the SEC Championship. I’m really proud of this group. I just wish that I could’ve done more as a coach to help them be successful and help them finish.”