Saban Has One Phrase In 2009

Hoover, AL - The final two games of last season did not sit well with Alabama head coach Nick Saban. Both losses, and a 12 win campaign that is almost dissappointing after being unbeaten heading into the SEC Championship game.

“We were a quarter away from playing for a national champiosnhip,“ offensive tackle Mike Johnson said. “It’s hard to think about those games for this season, because you can’t get ready for games that are not on the schedule. We are a week to week football team.“

“When I worked with Bill Belichek, there was only one sign in the entire complex. ‘Do your job.‘ And that was for everyone, football, office staff, custodians, everyone, just do your job,“ Saban said.

That job is tougher with the loss of a starting running back and loads of experience, and more importantly leadership at quarterback, offensive line, and in the secondary.

“What the team did last year, was last year. The goal for this team has to their goal, and it might be the same thing, but they have to work hard to do that.“ Saban said. “Because they where a part of a team that worked hard and maybe overachieved last year, does not mean they can rest this season.“

“We have to stay hungry,“ linebacker Rolando McClain said. “Keep working and get better.“

For the second straight year Alabama will open in Atlanta, taking on Virgina Tech in the Georgia Dome. “I think it’s great for recruiting and exposure, but also to test your team. You know early what you need to work on, and Virginia Tech is going to be an outstanding opponent.“

The Clemson win a year ago was the coming out party, this may be the encore.