Nick Saban discusses Brian Robinson after historic performance

Friday’s Cotton Bowl was a historic performance from Alabama running back Brian Robinson, rushing for 204 yards and averaging 7.8 yards per carry.

After getting the win over Cincinnati, Alabama head coach Nick Saban was asked about the running back’s performance. He also complimented Robinson’s willingness to wait for his time to shine.

“Well, we love it when B-Rob gets rolling,” Saban said during his postgame sideline interview. “And we knew that we’d have to run the ball in this three-three stack stuff that these guys play. He did a fantastic job, the offensive line did a really good job in the run game. So I’m really proud of B-Rob. He’s a fine young man. And to come back to play this year, he’s really created a lot of value for himself.”

Nick Saban discusses freshman impact after Brian Robinson performance

Alabama had some star freshmen step up big this season — and in the Cotton Bowl Friday night. Nick Saban sure has liked what he’s seen.

Kool-Aid McKinstry had five tackles in the game and Dallas Turner had a sack. Those are two freshmen who have played well for Alabama all season, and Saban said that playing time will pay off in the long run.

“Those guys have played really well for us,” Saban said after the Cotton Bowl. “Kool-Aid played well tonight, Dallas has played well ever since Drew Sanders hurt his hand. So I’m really pleased with the way those guys have developed, but you know, it means something to those guys. Those guys are very committed to trying to be good players, trying to learn, trying to grow, watching other players and how they do things and how they need to work and practice to prepare for a game.

“I think that’s why they made the improvement and the progress that they made, and now that they’ve played some, I think they have some confidence, as well, and I think that’s invaluable, especially at this point in the season.”

Even though they’re freshmen, they’ll appear on college football’s biggest stage on Jan. 10 during the College Football Playoff national championship. It’ll be a familiar opponent, too: No. 3 Georgia.