Nick Saban Press Conference
Alabama head football coach Nick Saban addressed the press following yesterday afternoon's practice session. Overall he said they had a good practice, and that it "was spirited."
"One of the goals for practice this week was take three early opponents and take about half the practice to work on them each day, " Saban said. "Then the rest of the practice to work on fundamental improvements."
Saban then spoke of today's practice, what it was to be like and said beginning today they have to determine "who we're going to coach, who we're going to invest our time in, whether it be special teams. or figure out if a guy can make a big enough contribution and develop enough to be able to contribute to the team. The guys worked hard today. I was really pleased with that."
Concerning what they need to do, he said, "The big focus was on finishing plays. You know, I think players get tired of practicing against each other for, I don't know, I think this was the twenty-something practice today...so, you know, they get a little bored. You know, the whole key to the drill is, once they think they know how to do it right, they think they can get casual and not pay attention to detail in practice and not practice things the way they need to. But the whole idea is, I want to practice it until you cant do it wrong. There's a big difference in that. So that means you're going to go out there every day and focus on doing it over and over and over and over so that it will be a part of who you are and what you do, and those habits will carry over into the game."
Saban said they officially will begin today working on Wisconsin. He wants the players to understand that showing up for a one hour meeting and a two hour practice may not be enough. They may need to put in some time themselves.
Concerning the starting quarterbacking job, Ssaban says it still not been decided. He said they're going to work two of the guys the most, and get a third ready on a limited basis just as other teams do it. He's still not sure yet, but has been pleased with all three of the potential starters. He said that all three have done a good job
"I've seen a lot of progress offensively this week," Saban said. "I think that's been one of the most encouraging things things this week...continuity, togetherness...the offensive line is more physical, playing with more toughness ."
Turning to the receivers Saban commented, "The receivers definitely made a big step this week in improving. and I think because of that the quarterbacks trusted them a little more and they gained a little more confidence in what they were supposed to do...and they could count on delivering the ball where it should be delivered."
So, there you have it...praise, criticism, adjustments...all part of coaching. Seems that things are looking pretty good though, Bama fans.
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Bama Football Practice
It was a day of clear skies and decent temperatures yesterday afternoon as the University of Alabama got in another practice in preparation for the opening of the 2015 season in only a week. The practice lasted two hours, and was the team's 22nd of the scheduled 28 practices.
All five quarterbacks got in some work, with three getting the majority of the reps. Head coach Nick Saban said that's the way most all teams do it and that's the way Bama does it. No decision on the starter so the main three got the majority of the reps. Those three, according to Saban, are senior Jake Coker, redshirt sophomore Cooper Bateman and redshirt junior Alec Morris.
"I have been really pleased with the way all three of the guys played this week," Saban said. "They've all done a really, really good job." He made a point to say that all five, however, work.
When asked about when a decision might be forthcoming about a starting quarterback, Saban said,
"You have to have some clear-cut evidence that a guy really has won the job and he has won the team."
Receiver Parker Barrineau was in pretty good shape despite his toe injury, though he was still in a non-contact black jersey. He suffered a toe injury that required surgery and is still in the process of getting back to fully practicing.
Speaking of receivers, Kenyan Drake was back working with the receiving corp during Thursday's practice. Saban and offensive coordinator Lane Kiffen have let it be knowDrake would be utilized all over the field this year.
Conditioning continued, running routes, blocking...everything was on the table as Bama gets ready for their season-opener with Wisconsin on September 5th. Coach Saban says that the Friday practice officially begins with the main focus on Wisconsin and getting ready for that game.
Alabama will face Wisconsin in the AdvoCare Classic in Arlington, Texas. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. CT and will be aired on ABC.
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Jansen & Routliffe In Final Round Of Playoffs
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
They've done it again. The pairing of the two-time NCAA Doubles National Champions, Maya Jansen and Erin Routliffe, have again produced victories. This duo has won three straight matches at the 2015 U.S. Open National Playoffs to give themselves a chance to play for the wild card berth in the 2015 U.S. Open.
The two have reached the final round after defeating Yale's Carol Finke/ReeRee Li (6-0, 7-5), Liga Dekmeijere/Karina Traxler (7-5, 6-2) and Alexandra Anghelescu/Caroline Price (6-2, 6-2).
Routliffe said, "This has been an incredible experience. We've seen some elite competition through the first couple rounds, but fortunately we've been doing enough to keep winning. We've just been taking it one match at a time and can't wait to get back out there tomorrow."
The winner of the Women's Doubles Championships will advance to the main draw of the U.S. Open Women's Doubles Championship, held August 31-September 13 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
"This journey has been one of the most memorable experiences of my career," commented Jansen. "Erin and I are extremely fortunate to be representing Alabama on this stage, and we're just hoping that we can continue to play to the best of our abilities. We can't wait to get out there and see what tomorrow brings."
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Saban Says Mullaney Can Help The Tide
It's so hard to say who the starting quarterback is going to be at the University of Alabama this coming season, which is only barely over a week away by the way. But as I said quite a few weeks ago, I'm not really concerned about the quarterback situation. Between head coach Nick Saban and the quarterback whisperer and offensive coordinator Lane Kiffen, I'm sure we'll have at least one all tuned up and ready to go
Speaking of quarterbacks, word out there now is we have a three-way race for the starting position now. That and the fact that a few of the reporters are saying that senior Jake Coker has appeared to be getting a few more reps than the others, or at least during the time the press is allowed to look on.
So, with that said, others are talking about the graduate transfer out of Oregon State. It appears that Richard Mullaney has been learning the playbook quite well and has been effectively executing said playbook. Of course as a graduate senior, he has quite a bit of experience under his belt, and at 6' 3" , 209 pounds he makes a nice target. And according to Nick Saban he has the skills to help the Crimson Tide this season, and should be a help on special teams.
"He's been doing a really good job," Saban said. "He's got great hands, very smart player, very instinctive, knows how to get open and is especially effective in the slot. He's definitely going to help us this year, and his maturity and experience is something that to a very young, inexperienced group has been very welcomed by us, and, I think, our other players."
During his three seasons at Oregon State, Mullaney had 83 catches for 1,160 yards and five touchdowns. His biggest season came in 2013 with 52 catches, 3 touchdowns and 788 total yards. Incidentally, he missed the majority of last season at OSU with an elbow injury.
Of course he won't be doing it alone. Bama has several that all hope are going to step up and play this season. Former five-star recruits Calvin Ridley and Robert Foster saw most of the action in the spring and will be used during the season heavily. Get Chris Black and Parker Barrineau back up to speed from injuries and we've got a good crew. It's just nice to know the new addition to the team has some skills.
