The morning after: Alabama’s Nick Saban and players hold winner’s press conference
By Nick Cole
Published:
Nick Saban and his Alabama players surely stayed up late and had a grand time celebrating last night’s 45-40 win against Clemson.
But the duties of a national champion called on Tuesday morning.
Saban, along with the game’s offensive MVP (TE O.J. Howard) and defensive MVP (DB Eddie Jackson), bounced out of bed to fulfill the obligation of conducting a winner’s press conference.
Here is a Twitter recap of what was said:
Nick Saban
Nick Saban: "It was a late night last night, but it was a fun night. One that we'll always remember."
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) January 12, 2016
Nick Saban: "I wish you could turn it on and turn it off, but I wake up at 6:15 every day no matter what."
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) January 12, 2016
Saban is "really humbled, honored and pleased that we were able to accomplish this with this team, and I'm very proud of this group."
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) January 12, 2016
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) January 12, 2016
Saban asked how long he'll do this: "I don't think it takes a toll (on me)." Said he'll coach as long as he enjoys being around players.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) January 12, 2016
Saban on historical significance of fourth title in 7 years: Says he's "going to keep things in perspective and look forward not backward."
— John Zenor (@jzenor) January 12, 2016
Nick Saban said he'll meet with the juniors on Wednesday about their futures. Said the team decided to delay receiving draft grades.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) January 12, 2016
Nick Saban on Lane Kiffin "He ended up hitching a ride with me. I miss the bus about every game. I'm always somebody's fall back as a ride."
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) January 12, 2016
Nick Saban: If you're a 1st-round draft pick, you should go to the NFL. If you can't enhance your stock, you probably should go to the NFL
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) January 12, 2016
Saban: If this was the 1st game of the year, what would we be talking about? You guys would ask how we gave up 40 points, 400 yards passing.
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) January 12, 2016
Saban said he enjoys the playoffs, but admitted it's difficult for the team, players and fans in terms of travel and everything else.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) January 12, 2016
Saban on concerns for college football: "How does a playoff and a bowl system coexist, and how could we make it better, if that's possible."
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) January 12, 2016
TE O.J. Howard
#Alabama Offensive MVP and Prattville native O.J. Howard on the #NFL decision pic.twitter.com/kIMhkxzrYa
— Ben Bolton (@BBoltonMedia) January 12, 2016
OJ Howard: We're all like brothers in the locker room. The friendship off the field is the most important thing.
— WBRC FOX6 News (@WBRCnews) January 12, 2016
O.J. Howard talking about dominating his box which must have taken up most of the field, tbh
— Kelly Ward (@kellynnward) January 12, 2016
O.J. Howard said the bond this team had off the field is the biggest difference. Said they made an effort to create genuine relationships.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) January 12, 2016
O.J. Howard said the extra games and travel took a toll, but "if you want to win a national championship, you have to suck it up and do it."
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) January 12, 2016
DB Eddie Jackson
Alabama's Eddie Jackson on seeing HC Nick Saban celebrate last night's win: 'Just seeing him w/ a smile on his face, it was a great feeling"
— Alex Byington (@_AlexByington) January 12, 2016
Eddie Jackson: Coach Saban is Coach Saban, regardless on or off the field. You just see him with a smile on his face, it's a great feeling.
— WBRC FOX6 News (@WBRCnews) January 12, 2016
Eddie Jackson: seeing coach with a smile on his face you know you have accomplished something
— Chris Breece (@Breecegolfbet) January 12, 2016
Eddie Jackson on difficulties w/ playoff: "It's tough. It takes a toll on you. You're not able to get settled once you get comfortable."
— Alex Byington (@_AlexByington) January 12, 2016
Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.
