SEC Media Days live blog: the Alabama Crimson Tide's Nick Saban
by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 10:30 AM EDT
in College Football
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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.
Will - Rocky Top Talk
And I've missed it
(CHI$$LE!)
Will - Rocky Top Talk
by Will Shelton on Jul 23, 2009 10:36 AM EDT up 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
"Mr. Hooper, I'm Chris Hansen with NBC. Why don't you take a seat right over there?"
Lou Brock loves Lamp.
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.
The Alabama throng looks at me hoping I'm Saban coming down the escalator
by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 10:46 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
Let's ask him a bunch of questions about Utah
Will - Rocky Top Talk
by Will Shelton on Jul 23, 2009 10:49 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
+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
"Hello. Brian Cook with MGoBlog here."
“Can you count to 85?”
Rocky Top Talk
by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 10:50 AM EDT reply actions
fwiw, the only player who uses #85 on their roster is Preston Dial
A sophomore tight end.
I dare you to ask obsessive questions about #85 and see if he falls for the innuendo.
by David Hooper on Jul 23, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
How do #85's cuts look in practice?
;-)
by David Hooper on Jul 23, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
heh
Don’t make me lol.
Rocky Top Talk
by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Good luck trying to anticipate the season
He says.
Rocky Top Talk
by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 10:57 AM EDT 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
Dude uses his hands while talking. Alot.
Rocky Top Talk
by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 10:59 AM EDT reply actions
Other coaches get to use their height...
by David Hooper on Jul 23, 2009 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Can we rename Bryant-Denny
Munchkinland?
by David Hooper on Jul 23, 2009 11:01 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
U must be this tall to ride this Tide...
by David Hooper on Jul 23, 2009 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
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
I still think the media can annoy him to the point of leaving.
I hear that Big 10 media are much more accommodating…
by David Hooper on Jul 23, 2009 11:04 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 have you learned from last year?
A: Team was helped by playing on the road against a top 10 opponent to kick off the season last year. Helped with confidence. Helps offseason.
Rocky Top Talk
by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 11:04 AM EDT reply actions
I bet he does like the Atlanta thing after last year
the Virginia Tech folks up where I live are very, very eager
Will - Rocky Top Talk
by Will Shelton on Jul 23, 2009 11:06 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
A 720 after getting hit by Berry again.
360 was so last year.
by David Hooper on Jul 23, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up 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
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
Dan Mullen will be glad to hear that.
Will - Rocky Top Talk
by Will Shelton on Jul 23, 2009 11:09 AM EDT up 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
"Coach Saban, caree to make a prediction on how many of 2009's wins will be vacated eventually?"
Lou Brock loves Lamp.
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
If his damned players wouldn't snatch up all the textbooks, he could read about U.S. history himself.
Lou Brock loves Lamp.
This is quickly becoming a golden thread.
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
- - - 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
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!!!
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.
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
The worst thing your team can do is play poorly and win?
Ah, coachspeak
Will - Rocky Top Talk
by Will Shelton on Jul 23, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up 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
Now for the players.
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
New thread for Ole Miss
Here.
Rocky Top Talk
by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 23, 2009 11:51 AM EDT reply actions
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