HOOVER, Ala. (AP) — Nick Saban says his Alabama players relish the high expectations, but offers a caveat.
He points out that the Crimson Tide must replace four NFL first-round draft picks at prominent positions and quarterback Greg McElroy.
Nevertheless, Alabama was picked to win the SEC and is regarded as one of the favorites to win a national title. All that talk, Saban says, “means nothing.”
The Tide had five defenders picked to earn first-team preseason All-SEC honors by league media, along with running back Trent Richardson and offensive lineman Barrett Jones.