Nick Saban shares ideal birthday plans during Alabama game week

Nick Saban doesn’t celebrate his birthday the traditional way anymore, considering Alabama has a huge game against LSU this weekend.

Tuesday will be Saban’s 72 celebratory day, but he’d rather just get a win. That’s the ideal gift for the Crimson Tide head coach.

Speaking at his Monday presser, fresh off a bye, it’s still full steam ahead of Saban and Alabama.

“I mean, the game’s the most important thing, that would be an outstanding birthday present if we could play well in this game and so that’s what I’m focused on,” Saban said. “And that’s what you know we’re really trying to do. You know, when your birthday or holidays come up in football season, they’re really not holidays and they’re really not birthdays. You get older but you don’t really celebrate much.”

Saban is right to focus his energy on the Tigers, especially with LSU’s high powered offense led by Jayden Daniels under center. The Alabama coach called them the best offense in the country.

Alabama had a week off and it was probably the right time for one, according to Saban.

“Bye weeks at this time of the season can be very beneficial,” Saban said. “And I think in a lot of ways to our team, that was very beneficial. I think we got lots of guys that were banged up a little bit, some rest and limited reps, so that they can heal up and of course, we won’t know how well that happens until we see how they respond this week. 

“And we got a lot of good repetitions on future opponents as well as LSU you know, in the bye week so that should enhance our preparation for this game.” 

Saban is of the mind, like a birthday, it’s a time of rest. The bye week was there to make sure the Crimson Tide got everything squared away before getting back to work.

“I wanted to enjoy their time off but I also wanted him to be focused and ready to go and all in when we get back because LSU is a really, really good team,” Saban said. “They’re probably one of the best teams in the country right now. I know that they are the best team in the country on offense. We’re going to need excellent attention to detail, focus, good technical preparation in the game. 

“So that you know everybody plays responsibility football, whether it’s offense, defense or special teams. And I think this has developed into sort of, you know, rivalry game because they’re always ranked, we’re always ranked. It’s always a big game relative to what happens in our division so it’s an important game for both teams.”