Sabans take on the Tide

"Alabama’s incoming recruiting class was ranked as the nation’s best by several recruiting services, and the potential impact those freshman might make this fall has been a hot topic for Tide fans.

But don’t expect Saban to join the discussion.

Saban said naming names creates only added pressure and could hurt a player’s confidence if that predicted early success doesn’t come.

“It’s not fair,” Saban said, “let the guy create his own expectations.

“Now we think guys are going to go from the high school prom to the SEC and expect them to change the game. Some do, but it’s unfair to put those expectations on them.”

As for expectations, Saban knows what they are at Alabama, adding his are on the same wavelength.

“I wouldn’t want to coach anywhere where there aren’t expectations, but we’ve got to be realistic ,” he said.

“We expect to win a national championship (someday), but we expect to go through the obstacles it takes to get there. ”



RTR