This one is on Saban

malanai
Mon, 02 Dec 2013 14:40:44 +0000

Here’s what Coach Saban had to say after the game. It is free of vitriol and excuses, and represents the view of those closest to this rivalry.



First of all, this is a tremendous rivalry. Great tradition. A lot of great fans. It was a great atmosphere for our team to play in today. For the seniors we have on our team I feel really badly because they have had a great career here. Our fans have done a fantastic job. I am really proud of how this team came along and improved throughout this season and created the opportunity that we have for ourselves here today. We told our team that this is like March Madness. Coming into this game that if you want to keep playing in the tournament you have to keep winning. I was really proud of the way our guys competed out there today, but the fact of the matter is that we did not make plays when we needed to. Whether it was a made field goal with a penalty or a missed field goal after that. Going for it on fourth and less than a yard and not being able to make it. Making the decision to do what we did at the end of the game. Not being able to cover the kick. We knew they had a guy back there and that we had to fan and cover it. That was not a great way to lose the game, especially for a team that I have a tremendous amount of respect for. It is my responsibility. I think our coaches did a great job this year with this team. We just did not make the plays when we needed to make them on third and fourth down today to get this chance to win. I think you have to give Auburn’s players a lot of credit. They have had a great season. They played a great game. The made the plays they needed to make today and that is probably the difference in this ballgame.

I told the team that I was proud of the way they played all season long and the way they have improved as a team. We are very proud of our football team to win eleven games. I still think we have one of the best teams in the country. I do not think we played our best game today. Everyone knew what was at stake and we did not make the plays when we needed to make them. That responsibility starts with me and every player on the team and every coach in terms of how we contributed to what we did today. The ultimate responsibility is mine. I am very, very proud of this team, the improvements they made, the way they competed and played all year, and the way they competed today. We just did not make the plays when we needed to make them. This team will have another opportunity to play a game and we are going to try and do it the right way.