Saban: All those predictions ‘hijack the game’

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Here’s a prediction: Nick Saban won’t like questions about predictions.

The Alabama coach says “they hijack the game” by putting the focus on the BCS and who will play in the final game each season.

The Crimson Tide can’t avoid being at the center of some of those predictions as defending national champions and a team projected to compete for another.

Saban tried to shoot down such talk at Sunday’s media day — before reporters even asked a question.

His analogy is a team trying for the consistency of a thermostat rather than an ever-fluctuating thermometer. Saban says the Tide is focusing on building synergy.

Left tackle Cyrus Kouandjio (kwan-RO) says he’s “not even sure where we’re ranked.”

The coaches ranked Alabama No. 2 behind LSU in their preseason poll.