Nick Saban shares why he enjoys neutral-site Power 5 matchups
By Jake Rill
Published:
Alabama may only have one official road game in its first five weeks of the season, but its season opener is also away from home. That’s because the Crimson Tide are traveling to take on Duke in a neutral-site game located at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday.
This isn’t the first time that Alabama has started its season with a neutral-site game against an opponent from another top conference. In fact, last year the Tide opened with a matchup against Louisville in Orlando.
During his Monday press conference, Alabama coach Nick Saban explained that he thinks it’s beneficial for players to take part in a neutral-site game early in the season to help them prepare for road trips later in the year.
“You’re going to travel, you have to focus, you’re in a different place, you’re playing in a new stadium,” Saban told the media. “So all the external factors that can effect your ability to focus on what you need to be doing, this is an experience to do that.”
Saban also believes it can help to play a strong team to begin the season. While Duke may not be among the ACC favorites this year, the Blue Devils are a better opponent than a non-Power Five team, which some schools typically open its season against.
“I think when you play a good opponent early on, the whole focus in the offseason, spring practice, fall camp is always a little better because players feel they’re going to be challenged in the first game,” Saban told the media. “That’s something that I think helps their competitive spirit throughout the preparation time.”
For Saban’s full Monday press conference, watch below:
Watch Coach Saban's Monday Press Conference presented by @CadenceBank. Register to win The Bryant-Denny Experience for the Tennessee game! Enter here: https://t.co/DS15vcWMvQ
https://t.co/mWBRHaMa1e— Alabama Athletics (@UA_Athletics) August 26, 2019
Alabama and Duke will face off on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.
