re: Saban comments on his radio show tonight

Alabama has almost always started out big games somewhat tight. It was true in the Bryant years and it is true now, even with all of the big games this program has been involved in.

In Bama's first NC under Saban in 2009, the Tide was as tight as could be. The fake punt, bad early D, etc. It has continued.

IMO, it's a result of the key to Bama's historic success. One thing Saban's teams, who are incorrectly viewed as automatons or machines, one thing they have is a tremendous will to win. It's almost always been true of Alabama. It's shown in their training, game week practice and carries over into the games and manifest somewhat in being tight early in big games. Contrary to what many believe, Bama desires greatly to win every game, including AU.

That will and great expectations makes it hard for the kids to breathe sometimes - a lot of pressure.