Nick Saban: Alabama created its own path to College Football Playoff

It’s no surprise that Alabama has put together another strong football season, but the Crimson Tide certainly had to overcome some adversity to get to where they are now. Nick Saban’s squad suffered a regular-season loss to Texas A&M and then had to compete at a high level against Georgia in order to make the College Football Playoff – and they did that, dominating against the Bulldogs to spoil their perfect season and earn the No. 1 ranking in the playoff.

Although there were times during the regular season when Alabama didn’t play its best, it has taken care of business and will have the chance to compete for a national championship – which is the Crimson Tide’s goal each and every year.

Saban reflected on the Tide’s victory over Georgia, saying his players deserve a lot of credit for getting the job done and getting back to the playoff.

“I think it gave us the opportunity to have a two-game season,” Saban said of what the win over Georgia meant. “We have a two-game season now – I hope. That’s what we’re going to work for, that’s what we want to do. These players have worked hard all year long. I think they deserve a lot of respect for what they’ve been able to accomplish and what they’ve been able to do, but at the same time, how are you going to look forward? It’s how do we move forward?

“We’ve created an opportunity for ourself where we have the chance to play in the College Football Playoff. How are we going to prepare? How are we committed to do the things we need to do? Really, really pleased and proud for this team creating an opportunity to be in the playoffs, to play in the playoffs. This is always kind of our goal, so I was really pleased and happy for the players to see them be able to accomplish that goal.”

No. 1 Alabama and No. 4 Cincinnati are scheduled to kickoff at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 31 in the Cotton Bowl semifinal at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Will Anderson thanks teammates for specific Alabama award win

Standout Alabama linebacker Will Anderson was chosen as the Crimson Tide’s Most Inspiring Player by his teammates. He met with the media earlier this week and shared what it meant to him to receive that honor.

“I think it means a lot,” Anderson said. “I have to stand here and say that I am that person because of my teammates. Just allowing them to trust me and just seeing how I work everyday and everything like that … I give all the credit to them because they push and help me be better everyday, as well as my coaches and my parents. So, just for them to acknowledge that means a lot to me.”

Anderson – a 6-foot-4, 243-pound defensive force – has racked up 92 total tackles this season to go along with 32.5 tackles-for-loss and 15.5 sacks. The Hampton, Georgia native was mentioned as a Heisman Trophy candidate during the regular season but wasn’t selected as a finalist.