A clearly frustrated Nick Saban stated Wednesday that Alabama still has much to prove after beating Miami 44-13 last week in its season opener.
Saban returned to 2017's "rat poison" comments and stated that the Crimson Tide top-ranked didn't arrive prepared to practice Monday. He questioned if it was because they didn’t respect their opponent, Mercer who competes in FCS.
He said, "Or maybe it is what they read in the media or on social media after half an game this season." "And then it was warm yesterday, so there are all kinds of external factors that can affect our ability to keep intensity up and play the way you need to play and practice as well as the way we need.
"The scoreboard has an effect on us. We are affected by who we play. Heat affects us. We are affected by the media and what you guys say every day. To me, it's important to show that we can play, maintain intensity, and do things the right way.
Saban has become accustomed to ranting during Alabama's lower-level FBS or FCS games.
He ranting about how Georgia Southern had "run through" him four years prior to his 2015 game against Georgia Southern.
Saban suggested that his team may have been too confident after beating Miami. He also pointed out how Alabama did not play the full 60 minutes of the game, and how the score in the second half was closer at 17-10 to the Tide.
Saban was asked how his team responded to Monday's lackluster practice. He replied, "We'll be seeing."
"Do people really care enough to know what we have do to keep our intensity up for 60 minutes, to improve as teams, and to do the things we need to improve? He asked. "Does our team have the necessary depth?" he asked. We have some good guys who are trying to lead the way and help other guys. We also have some guys who need to learn and practice what it takes, how to prepare.
"Some people believe that exertion throughout the week can affect your ability to play on Saturday. To be ready for Saturday you need to exert effort throughout the week. The key is how can you take care yourself. How can you get better sleep? How can you get to sleep? How do you hydrate yourself? How can you make the most of the Sports Science Center's technology to help you hydrate so you're ready for Saturday? We have some guys who got it wrong, so we are trying to fix it."
