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Nick Saban talked about football, his seniors, Thanksgiving dinner and being a grandfather during his weekly radio show on Thursday night.
Everything Alabama’s head coach said Thursday was appropriate for all ages, unlike his press conference on Wednesday, when he had some colorful comments about facing FCS schools. Some of those comments were not suitable for work. On Thursday, Saban told listeners that he didn’t mean to offend anyone with that rant.
Nick Saban said he didn’t mean to offend anybody with his NSFW press conference Wednesday.
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) November 20, 2015
RELATED: Video: Take cover for Nick Saban’s profane Charleston Southern rant
Someone he doesn’t want to hear his Charleston Southern rant anytime soon is one of his grandchildren. Saban says he enjoys being a grandfather, even though he doesn’t get as much time with his grandchildren as he’d like. Last week, when CBS showed Saban with a cut on his cheek during Alabama’s 31-6 win over Mississippi State, his infant granddaughter was watching on TV and said, “Aww.”
Running back Kenyan Drake suffered a more serious injury – a broken arm – during last Saturday’s game. He is expected to miss at least two weeks with the injury. Saban said Drake is disappointed that he won’t be able to play on Senior Night.
Saban said Kenyan Drake (arm) will likely be cleared to play in 2 weeks, but whether he’ll be able to carry ball, etc. is still a question
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) November 20, 2015
Alabama is 9-1 and ranked No. 2 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings. The Crimson Tide will host Charleston Southern, which is 9-1 and ranked No. 9 in the latest FCS poll, on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET. The game will be shown on the SEC Network.
Saturday will be Senior Day at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Saban said he’s proud of his seniors, but admitted it’s hard for him to see them go.
Saban: “I have a hard time with Senior Day, I really do.” He said their careers go by too fast.
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) November 20, 2015
Saban on the seniors: None of them have done anything to embarrass the team. They’ve been great ambassadors for how they’ve represented UA.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) November 20, 2015
Alabama’s 43-37 loss to Ole Miss early in the season left many Tide fans skeptical about this year. In hindsight, those concerns were foolish, because the Crimson Tide have won seven straight games since then, and are now ranked No. 2 in the CFP rankings.
Saban final word: No one thought this team would be in this position after Ole Miss loss Now the team has to finish Fans continue to support — Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) November 20, 2015
Most Thursday nights, the first call Saban gets on his radio show is from Pee Wee from Grand Bay. But this Thursday, Pee Wee drove to Tuscaloosa to see the show in person. He asked Saban about Charleston Southern’s option offense. Saban replied that the scout team’s work preparing the Crimson Tide defense for the game is invaluable.
Saban believes his team has some momentum, and he doesn’t want it to fade. That’s one reason he says it’s important for the Crimson Tide to stay focused and play well on Saturday. The coach called Charleston Southern “a good little team.”
One fan asked the coach what the best lesson he’s learned through coaching is. Saban said it was patience, and admitted that his patience had gotten a lot better over the years.
Another fan asked Saban what makes him happy, and he said that it’s seeing players do well.
Derrick Henry has had a big year, and could be the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy. Saban recalled the first time he saw Henry in person, and admits he was blown away by the running back’s size. Henry is currently listed at 6-foot-3 and 242 pounds.
Saban recalls first time seeing Derrick Henry in person https://t.co/xQFXOWlpsx
— Michael Casagrande (@ByCasagrande) November 20, 2015
Thanksgiving is next Thursday, and the coach was asked about Thanksgiving in the Saban house. Someone asked him if he cooks the turkey, and not surprisingly, he admitted he does not.
Does Nick Saban cook the turkey at Thanksgiving? “Never. Never.” — Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) November 20, 2015
Nick Saban said his favorite side dish at Thanksgiving is dressing because Thanksgiving is the only time he gets to eat it. — Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) November 20, 2015
Saban said he can’t remember last time Miss Terry made dressing cause so many players come over, someone has 2 help her cook Nice save, Nick — Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) November 20, 2015
The Nick Saban Show is held every Thursday during football season from 8-9 p.m. ET. The show is hosted by Saban and Alabama play-by-play man Eli Gold. The show can be heard online at this link.
