Saban guards against letdown against FIU

September 07, 2009

By Ken Rogers

Nick Saban seemed like he was waiting for the opportunity, and he let loose when it came.

Alabama’s football coach wrapped up Monday’s press conference saying he’s going to do what he can to prevent a letdown after Saturday’s 34-24 victory over Virginia Tech.

Last season, Alabama’s upset win over Clemson in Atlanta was followed by the most lackluster performance of the season—resulting in a scary 20-6 win over Tulane.

Like Tulane, Florida International did not play the week before. Unlike Tulane, Saban doesn’t want a repeat of a flat effort in Week 2.

“I also want to say in no uncertain terms you’re a typical fan, which you all can be. That’s fine,“ Saban told the media. “But I respect the people that we’re playing, I respect our opponents. I want our players to respect our opponents.

“And this guy, No. 4 (FIU wide receiver T.Y. Hilton), is a better offensive player than anybody that we played against last week. You understand that?

“Whatever your perception is of what they ought to be, I don’t think it’s that. And I don’t want our players to think that, either. Now, as fans, you all can think that as much as you want. And you create that perception, which just creates more problems for me because the players read the paper, too.

“Now, is that a good one to end on or you want to ask something else?“