Nick Saban gives update on Alabama following Tuesday practice

Alabama football held practice inside AT&T Stadium Tuesday, working on the playing surface where it will take on Cincinnati in the Cotton Bowl on Friday. Despite no Cotton Bowl media viewing – which was originally planned – the Crimson Tide provided some footage from the day along with post-practice quotes from Nick Saban.

During his opening statement, the Alabama coach expressed his thoughts on the state of his team and the challenges they face over the coming days in Dallas.

“I think we’ve done well,” said Saban. “We had good practices at home, we had three days off for Christmas – a lot of travel in between getting here – but everything’s been really well done since we’ve been here. I think you guys have provided us with a great atmosphere and environment to work in and the players have stayed focused pretty well. We’re trying to keep everybody healthy on and off the field relative of what’s happening. But the energy level has been good, the players have been good.”

Nick Saban has spoke highly about his players commitment levels and vaccination status since early in the season, which could prove important for the Cotton Bowl with the recent outbreaks across sports and the College Football Playoff’s forfeit rules in place. The Alabama program has suffered limited disruptions due to COVID-19 this season but had a recent scare within the coaching staff.

Bill O’Brien joins Alabama team

Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien joined the team in Dallas ahead of the Crimson Tide’s Cotton Bowl and College Football Playoff semifinal game against Cincinnati on Friday. According to O’Brien, he took part virtually in every meeting while isolated and things went normal.

The first year Alabama assistant arrived Tuesday morning after testing positive for COVID-19 last week. He has already spoken with Associate Athlete Director of Sports Medicine Jeff Allen about the updated SEC protocols.

Preparing for their Cotton Bowl matchup against Cincinnati, Alabama spent time without Bill O’Brien and offensive line coach Doug Marrone. Both tested positive for COVID-19 and entered protocols before the team travelled to Dallas this week. From the time of the positive tests, head coach Nick Saban expressed optimism that both assistants would return in time for the Cotton Bowl and a potential National Championship chance the following week.

The winner of the Cotton Bowl between No. 1 Alabama and No. 4 Cincinnati will play the winner of No. 2 Michigan and No. 3 Georgia in the national championship on Jan. 10.