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Nick Saban to media: 2015 team more committed, less distracted than 2014
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Alabama coach Nick Saban spoke the media following the team’s first practice for its College Football Playoff semifinal matchup with Michigan State on New Year’s Eve.
Here are the highlights from what Saban had to say:
Nick Saban said the players were anxious to get back on the field and the energy and focus at practice was good today.
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) December 17, 2015
Saban: Challenge is how do you maintain your focus. First couple of practice is fundamentals and knocking the rust off.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) December 17, 2015
Saban said #Alabama will have 29 graduates on its roster in the Cotton Bowl on Dec. 31.
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) December 17, 2015
Saban with a humble brag about how many players Alabama graduates and how many Alabama players won awards/made All-American teams.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) December 17, 2015
Saban: I was excited for the offensive line winning the Joe Moore Award because it's a group award. Said it's nice to see the OL get credit
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) December 17, 2015
Saban: No injuries. No one was out of practice today.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) December 17, 2015
Saban: This team really seems to be focused on the opportunity that they have. This team is committed to finishing the job.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) December 17, 2015
Saban: I don't feel that this year we have any issues with distractions with guys concentrating on decisions to go pro.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) December 17, 2015
Saban: Connor Cook is arguably the best QB we've played against all year long.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) December 17, 2015
Nick Saban said he didn't feel the team was as committed at this point last season as it is at this point this season. #Alabama
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 17, 2015
Saban said last year's team felt "entitled" ahead of the Sugar Bowl. But that hasn't been the case this year.
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) December 17, 2015
Saban on Kirby Smart: It speaks volume for Kirby's character and all that he has to want to come back and finish.
¶— John Zenor (@jzenor) December 17, 2015
Saban: Jeremy Pruitt isn't allowed to coach. He can recruit and watch practice. Said he's in the learning stage now.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) December 17, 2015
Nick Saban said he didn't interview anybody for the job and knew he wanted to hire Pruitt. Called it a "no brainer." #Alabama
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 17, 2015
Saban on Mark Dantonio's success at Michigan State: "It's unprecedented what he's done there."
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) December 17, 2015
Since the Ole Miss loss, Saban said he's been pleased with the way the team has responded to every challenge they've faced.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) December 17, 2015
Born and raised in Gainesville, Talal joined SDS in 2015 after spending 2 years in Bristol as an ESPN researcher. Previously, Talal worked at The Gainesville Sun.
