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SEC Media Days live blog: the Alabama Crimson Tide's Nick Saban


Next up in today's frenzy of live-blogging at RTT is Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide. He's scheduled to start at 9:40 and will be limited to 40 minutes. But because Saban apparently has no concept of numerical limitations, expect him to go just as long as he wants, thank you.

There will also be an opportunity to talk with offensive lineman Mike Johnson and linebacker Rolando McClain.

As we've been doing all along, I'll be leaving my instant impressions in the comment thread below so that you don't have to refresh your browser for new comments and so you can respond to any particular statement in a nice, orderly threaded fashion.

See ya below.

Up next is Houston Nutt at 10:40.

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These open threads

are like preseason camp for us. I feel all out of practice on the rapid-fire nature of this having not done it since basketball season.

by Will Shelton on Jul 23, 2009 10:35 AM EDT reply actions  

But yeah,

One of my favorite parts of RTT is the live comment thread. It’s like a chat room, but without that creepy 16-year-old-girl-who’s-really-a-40-year-old-guy aspect.

by David Hooper on Jul 23, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions  

heh

Yeah, that.

But does that make Chris Hansen the creepy guy who stalks the creepy guys?

by David Hooper on Jul 23, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions  

It's a good thing I don't have any TV reception right now.

Because I can absolutely confirm that I’m not the creepy guy who watches the creep guy that stalks the creepy guys.

by David Hooper on Jul 23, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions  

Im ready for some FOOTBALL open threads

Haven’t been around for one of those yet.

RIP Steve McNair (1973 - 2009) Retire #9!
Member of the Committee to Keep Keith Bulluck.
Eric Berry for Heisman!!

by Pride of the Southland on Jul 23, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions  

But because Saban apparently has no concept of numerical limitations, expect him to go just as long as he wants, thank you.

First – nice touch, that.

Second – I suspect he only wants to talk for about 0.438 nanoseconds.

by David Hooper on Jul 23, 2009 10:43 AM EDT reply actions  

double-take:

At first, I read

The Alabama thong looks at me hoping I’m Saban coming down the escalator

In lieu of the sub-conversation above, things went into bizarro-world for a second.

by David Hooper on Jul 23, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions  

I'm relatively certain

that either the Alabama apparel store or the Victoria’s Secret in the adjoining mall has an Alabama thong for sale.

Rocky Top Talk

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions  

+1

RIP Steve McNair (1973 - 2009) Retire #9!
Member of the Committee to Keep Keith Bulluck.
Eric Berry for Heisman!!

by Pride of the Southland on Jul 23, 2009 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions  

Rip on the media, I think

Can’t predict what 100 adolescents are going to do. I don’t know what his problem is.

Rocky Top Talk

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions  

gotcha

if he was such a great coach, you’d think he’d have a feel for that.

by David Hooper on Jul 23, 2009 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions  

Q: Replacing Andre Smith.

A: Can’t replace him or Caldwell. They’re outstanding.

Rocky Top Talk

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 11:01 AM EDT reply actions  

So, you're telling me I have a chance?

RIP Steve McNair (1973 - 2009) Retire #9!
Member of the Committee to Keep Keith Bulluck.
Eric Berry for Heisman!!

by Pride of the Southland on Jul 23, 2009 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions  

LOL

RIP Steve McNair (1973 - 2009) Retire #9!
Member of the Committee to Keep Keith Bulluck.
Eric Berry for Heisman!!

by Pride of the Southland on Jul 23, 2009 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions  

If he leaves can we dance around Bryant-denny singing "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead?"

RIP Steve McNair (1973 - 2009) Retire #9!
Member of the Committee to Keep Keith Bulluck.
Eric Berry for Heisman!!

by Pride of the Southland on Jul 23, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions  

I'll supply the costumes too.

RIP Steve McNair (1973 - 2009) Retire #9!
Member of the Committee to Keep Keith Bulluck.
Eric Berry for Heisman!!

by Pride of the Southland on Jul 23, 2009 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions  

Q: What do you expect from Marquis Maize?

A: Saban and reporter trading complements. No idea what this is about.

Re: Maize. quick, good with the ball in his hands.

Rocky Top Talk

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 11:06 AM EDT reply actions  

Q: McClain

A: Helped a lot last year. Maturity is growing.

Rocky Top Talk

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 11:07 AM EDT reply actions  

at least somebody is growing…

by David Hooper on Jul 23, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions  

Q: Preseason polls, SEC West 8, 9, 10.

A: West will be very challenging this year. As tough as it’s ever been. LSU’s going to be outstanding. Les has done a fantastic job. Every team in the West has an opportunity to win the division. Parity and competition.

Rocky Top Talk

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 11:09 AM EDT reply actions  

he looks at preseason polls?

are they taped next to his height marks on the doorframe or something?

by David Hooper on Jul 23, 2009 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions  

Q: Belicheck, see any Belichek tendencies in Meyer.

A: Meyer’s a great coach, good staff. They work as hard any anyone I know. Bill’s like that, but Urban’s been like before he met Bill. That’s why they’re successful in recruiting and developing the players they have.

Rocky Top Talk

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 11:10 AM EDT reply actions  

Q: Who voted for?

A: Tebow. Outstanding. Played a fantastic game against us. One of the most outstanding in the league. Also think they should be able to vote for whomever they want. That’s what we’ve fought so hard for in this country.

Yes, he actually said that.

Rocky Top Talk

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 11:12 AM EDT reply actions  

- - - and the freedom to go where ever we want.

RIP Steve McNair (1973 - 2009) Retire #9!
Member of the Committee to Keep Keith Bulluck.
Eric Berry for Heisman!!

by Pride of the Southland on Jul 23, 2009 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions  

Q: Take on Tebow's NFL prospects?

A: Not fair for me to judge whether he can be a top ten pick. Don’t know the other guys in the top 10. Tebow’s outstanding QB and leader. No question about his ability to throw the ball. Tremendous amount of respect for him. He’s a winner, and he’ll be a winner in the NFL.

Shouldn’t criticize the NFL for trying to figture out how to evaluate someone for the NFL when they haven’t been asked to do NFL stuff.

Rocky Top Talk

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 11:14 AM EDT reply actions  

That's actually a very salient comment.

The list of ‘best players’ and the order of needs for the top-drafting teams usually have some striking differences.

by David Hooper on Jul 23, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions  

Q: Another strong freshman class. What do you expect, especially Richardson?

A: Told Julio not to focus on things that can be distracting. Focus on the things they need to do to become complete players at their position. If they can, they’ll help the offense.

Rocky Top Talk

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 11:17 AM EDT reply actions  

In other words,

Julio should give up his student senate seat.

by David Hooper on Jul 23, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions  

Q: What's it like to have to live with the stir all the time?

A: If there’s no stir, I have a problem.

Appreciate their support. Respect the passion. Want to do our part to satisfy it.

Rocky Top Talk

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 11:19 AM EDT reply actions  

Q: How many takes to get lines right in Blind Side?

A: I had two. I don’t like to do stuff like this. Movie Friday and Talledega on Sunday. Enjoyed the movie. It’s not the takes that get you. It’s the angles. Seven takes because of the varied angles. The lines weren’t bad. The director was great. Bullock and McGraw were fantastic. Team not going to go see the movie b/c they don’t want to endorse something like that like I was involved in.

Rocky Top Talk

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 11:21 AM EDT reply actions  

That makes no sense.

So, because Saban’s in the movie, they won’t see it?

That’s an awfully trite gesture.

by David Hooper on Jul 23, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions  

I'm sorry

What?

Tennessee WILL beat Georgia on the way to 9+ wins in '09!!!
Eric Berry For Heisman!!!

by VolBrian on Jul 23, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions  

Q: Impact on defenses of spread offenses?

A: Very difficult. When QB runs, it creates another gap on defense. But it’s like anything else in that it’s different to prepare for. How do you get your scout team to simulate that? The concept is outstanding b/c more gaps on defense, but if that was it, it’d be okay. It’s the multiples that make it more difficult.

Rocky Top Talk

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 11:23 AM EDT reply actions  

Q: RE: taking shots at other teams

A: We have a great league and everyone should respect it. Our focus is to make our place a first class organization. What others do doesn’t matter. We should respect other folks in the league.

Rocky Top Talk

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 11:24 AM EDT reply actions  

Sucks being busy

And not having time to keep up, but at least I’m working I guess…good if you’re self employed..

Tennessee WILL beat Georgia on the way to 9+ wins in '09!!!
Eric Berry For Heisman!!!

by VolBrian on Jul 23, 2009 11:25 AM EDT reply actions  

Q: How take advantage of an inexperienced QB? How protect one?

A: Everybody learns at different pace. Biggest mistake you can make is to give them too many things to do. Increases chances of errors.

From the defensive perspective, you have be smart about it and know the specifics of who you’re trying to defend.

Rocky Top Talk

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 11:26 AM EDT reply actions  

have to leave for lunch

colleague’s last week and all. but I plan on reading all the comments when I get back, so keep it live, y’all.

by David Hooper on Jul 23, 2009 11:29 AM EDT reply actions  

Im going to take a late lunch so I can keep following

DEDICATION :D

RIP Steve McNair (1973 - 2009) Retire #9!
Member of the Committee to Keep Keith Bulluck.
Eric Berry for Heisman!!

by Pride of the Southland on Jul 23, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions  

Q: Re players leaving the program. Close to 85?

Watch out!

A: We have a demanding program. There’s a personal development aspect. We spent a lot of effort trying to develop them personally in life. Some have not met those demands. We also have same kind of demands academically. Some don’t meet that. None are leaving b/c of the kind of football players they are. Maybe they’re disappointed or don’t have confidence they can play. So, if attrition, he’s supportive to help them go someplace else. Still have a couple who could or couldn’t qualify. Some will be grayshirted and know it. Some contemplating their future w/ AL. Some being suspended for behavior or academic reasons.

Rocky Top Talk

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 11:29 AM EDT reply actions  

Q: 2001 game between Saban and Kentucky.

A: There was a 30 mph wind that day. We managed to get the advantage of it in the 4th quarter. Ball sailed and almost went 70 yards due to the wind. KY misjudged, created the tip, just worked out.

What I remember the most wasn’t that play. The worst thing your team can do is play poorly and win. That’s what we did that game, and we had our worst defeat the following week.

Rocky Top Talk

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 11:31 AM EDT reply actions  

Always thought the going answer for that was

A W is a W and we’ll taken ’em however we can.

RIP Steve McNair (1973 - 2009) Retire #9!
Member of the Committee to Keep Keith Bulluck.
Eric Berry for Heisman!!

by Pride of the Southland on Jul 23, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions  

Text message alert

Scroggins to pick USC, sources say.

Rocky Top Talk

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 11:32 AM EDT reply actions  

Wonder if Kiffin will have to answer Taj Boyd Q's this afternoon then?

RIP Steve McNair (1973 - 2009) Retire #9!
Member of the Committee to Keep Keith Bulluck.
Eric Berry for Heisman!!

by Pride of the Southland on Jul 23, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions  

Q: Putting on LSU coaching shirt for the movie?

A: Hopes fans will understand it’s an historical event. That’s where I was at the time. Out of respect for the Touhe family and Oher, I did it. It’s no disrespect to anyone.

Rocky Top Talk

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 11:34 AM EDT reply actions  

Q: Great SEC Championship. 4th quarter got out of hand. What happened?

A: It was a great game. Tebow and FL rose to the occasion. Have a lot of respect for them. FL just simply won, not b/c of our lack of execution. Not ashamed for a minute the way we played the game.

Rocky Top Talk

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 11:37 AM EDT reply actions  

Closing

I have respect for all you do, you’re the conduit, respect and appreciation what you do for us. Spencer says he says this every year.

Rocky Top Talk

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 11:38 AM EDT reply actions  

Surprise

Saban went over his allotment

Rocky Top Talk

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 11:39 AM EDT reply actions  

From Spencer

“It’s a demanding program. Sometimes we demand that you leave.”

Rocky Top Talk

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 11:39 AM EDT reply actions  

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