Alabama held another football practice Monday as it continues to prepare for its Dec. 31 appearance in the Cotton Bowl as part of the College Football Playoff.
After a break for Christmas, the top-seeded Tide is scheduled to arrive in Dallas on Sunday and continue getting ready to fourth-seeded Cincinnati.
Nick Saban held a news conference after Monday’s practice around 4 p.m. CT. Here were the highlights:
— Nick Saban said “for the most part” he is pleased with how players are “pushing through.” He said players need a process of not “taking for granted” that you can pick up where you left off in practice.
— “We’re also being very conscious with our players about taking care of themselves, social-distancing, all those types of things, so we can manage our way through some of the flu that’s going around. Not just COVID — stomach virus and things like that.”
— Saban said Alabama will have a “normal week” of practice in Dallas beginning Sunday when it arrives.
— Saban said there are no updates on injuries. “We’ve got guys practicing and doing the best they can.”
— Asked about receivers after the loss of John Metchie, Saban said players are “stepping up and doing a good job,” noting Javon Baker, Traeshon Holden and “Agiye Hall is making some good plays.” Ja’Corey Brooks has been playing well and is “also a guy who continues to improve,” Saban noted.
— Asked about Cincinnati’s front seven, Saban said they are an active and aggressive group that plays a 3-3 stack scheme. “They play very well together as a team. They don’t make a lot of mistakes.”
— Asked about what sets Will Anderson apart, Saban said anyone is set apart by their mindset and how they “edit their behavior” to accomplish their goals. “Will is A-plus in all those intangible areas, plus he’s got really good physical ability. The guy is an overachiever, even at that.” Saban noted Anderson’s effort, lack of mistakes, and preparation.
— Asked about Cincinnati’s defense and cornerbacks, Saban said they are “long and good players” who play good man-to-man coverage. “They’re aggressive in the way they play. They’re smart. They got a lot of experience. … They’re ball-hawkers. They’re all ball-hawkers back there. They really attack the ball. They got a lot of turnovers. It’s really a talented group.”
— Asked about Christopher Allen’s rehabilitation, Saban said Allen is “doing what he can do” and it’s a “tough rehab for the injury that he has.” He said it’s “pretty much up in the air” how Allen progresses.
— Saban said he wants players to have fun in practice and in the game, but also rest and not put themselves in positions on the road where it could be a “detriment to their brand” or their ability to perform. “We’re going to be there for a while,” Saban said of the six-day trip to Dallas. “I usually let the players decide what the curfews are and that type of thing.”
— Saban said they allowed players to go home for Christmas break last year and gave them a “care package” that helped explain what they need to do to stay safe. Saban said they have already implemented their policies from last year. “We’re going to keep doing that,” he said. “Am I concerned? I’m always concerned when there’s an issue out there.” He said players need to “respect it” and Alabama has done a good job of vaccinated and has over 90 percent of its players boosted.
— Asked about Bryce Young’s ability to “make the main thing the main thing,” Saban said he does a very good job of that and does not let external factors distract him very often. “He’s got good ability to focus on the next play and not get too bothered about what happened on the last play.”
— Nick Saban ended by wishing everyone a happy holiday and said it is a great time of year to enjoy time with family, although he does not get much of it as a coach.
Mike Rodak is an Alabama beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @mikerodak.
