Saban talks about his still non-existent statue

As seen before the Iron Bowl

It’s been a topic of much mystery but little talk. What’s the deal with that statue of Nick Saban that was supposed to go up outside Bryant-Denny Stadium this fall?

One smart reporter (not me) asked Saban himself about the issue at this morning’s news conference. He deferred to his wife.

That’s Terry’s department. She wanted it to look a certain way, so I don’t even know hwere it’s at. I haven’t thought much about it and I really don’t know when it’s going to be done. It’s taking a while, though. Didn’t have a hell of a lot to work with, I guess. [laughter]

Who wins the Capital One Bowl?

The call is yours.

More photos too.

Capital One Bowl week

VIDEO: Nick Saban news conference

VIDEO: Alabama’s Capital One Bowl pep rally

Smart addresses Florida coaching reports

The whole Kirby Smart to Florida story has been floating around the interwebs for weeks now. But since assistant coaches and coordinators are muzzled from speaking to reporters, it was until this afternoon’s news conference before Smart could address the talk.

To get newcomers up to speed, Smart reportedly had discussions with new Florida coach Will Muschamp about the defensive coordinator’s job in Gainesville.

“Will and I talk all the time. He’s one of my best friends — I’ve known him more than 20 years now. He and I talk a lot and not really about me coaching with him, no.”

He went on to say the next step he’d like to take is into the head coaching world.

Orlando Sentinel story tracks Saban hating

Today's front page of the Orlando Sentinel sports section.

The Orlando Sentinel pulled few punches with today’s sports front story on Nick Saban. Taking a look at the list of jilted employers and fan bases left in his wake, the story spelled out how and why people are “Hatin’ Saban.” A quick excerpt:

Saban’s popularity isn’t much better with the general public — he’s just too easy to dislike. He’s often shown on TV scowling on the sidelines or yelling at officials. He sometimes seems combative and arrogant in interviews. And his teams are usually very good. Saban, whose annual salary is just under $6 million a year, has never had a losing season during his 13 college campaigns. He’s a two-time national coach of the year, has a 133-53-1 career college record and has won that pair of national crowns.”

For the full story, click this link.

Rare video of Scott Cochran stretching drills

Get ready to see Alabama strength and conditioning coach Scott Cochran in his element — running around stretching drills quoting rap songs and loving life.

The media isn’t typically permitted to film this stuff so this is rare. He’s truly one of a kind.

And more photos added to album too.

Capital One Bowl week

VIDEO: One final practice viewing period

This will be the final installment in the year-long series of practice videos. I hope this will hold you over until spring ball.

Vegas still liking Tide over Spartans

The odds makers haven’t budged since installing Alabama as a 10-point favorite to beat Michigan State on Saturday afternoon in the Capital One Bowl. See those lines for yourself right here.

That number is of no concern to Michigan State offensive lineman Joel Foreman.

“That’s some guy somewhere that’s probably never played football who picked those numbers,” Foreman said. “So he’s not going to be playing in that came on Saturday. We will. So we’ll be ready.”

We’re getting ready to head over to Alabama’s last practice availability to the media. This week is blowing right by. Check out some photos.

Capital One Bowl week

More on Citrus Bowl Stadium story

To read about the 2010 Capital One Bowl field disaster is one thing (and you can do that here). If you don’t remember it, this video should help.

Here’s another option.

The Orlando Sentinel also wrote about this issue. Read that story here.

VIDEO: Tide practices outside Tuesday

The wind died down enough this afternoon for the Crimson Tide to practice outdoors again.

Enjoy this footage from Dr. Phillips High School that includes the offensive line, running backs, and an animated linebackers coach Sal Sunseri working with his guys.

Photos from the road: Capital One Bowl edition

Just to give everyone back home a taste of the Capital One Bowl experience, I’ll be updating the photo album below with all the thrill and excitement of the action in Orlando.

Hardly Pulitzer quality photography aside, it’s just a fun peek inside the world of Alabama football. Enjoy.

Capital One Bowl week

VIDEO: Tide practices indoors at UCF

It was still drafty indoors but better than the windy cold outside of the Nicholson practice facility at the University of Central Florida.

On this video, you’ll see the linebackers working with Sal Sunseri and Kirby Smart, Nick Saban throwing passes, Julio Jones catching them and much more.

Tide moving practice inside

It’s chilly here in Orlando yet again — 36 degrees to be exact — so Alabama is moving practice inside.

The team moved workouts from Dr. Phillips High School to the UCF Fieldhouse on the other side of town. That means this reporter as to get his rear end in gear to make it over there so blog post cut shor…

Saban meets Mickey once again

Oh the possible captions for this one ...

I couldn’t resist sharing this photo released by the school from this morning’s charity event given this recent posting with a similar look at the face of Disney meeting his Alabama football counterpart.

Standing next to Nick Saban is Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio and a Spartan player who I can’t indentify.