Patrick Murphy reveals the biggest lesson he learned from Nick Saban as Alabama prepares for WCWS

Alabama is once again heading to Oklahoma City for the Women’s College World Series. Head coach Patrick Murphy has to be quite familiar with the area, making his 15th appearance with the Crimson Tide. With just one national championship, he’s hoping to add another in 2024.

Before getting on the plane, there were questions about Alabama potentially being tired going into the WCWS. Murphy says his team is well rested after giving them two days off, something he learned from Nick Saban. A small comment made during a press conference back in the day has stuck with Murphy throughout all these years.

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“I learned from Coach Saban a long time ago… One day off is good, two days off is awesome,” Murphy said. “I’ve listened to that for a long time. I’m the type of guy that if the players are tired, it’s my fault. So, I’ll ask a senior ‘You tired? You need a day off?’ And if they hesitate, they’re getting a day off because that means they need a day off.”

It’s certainly a fair question, the fatigue one. Not only did Alabama need all three games to take down Tennessee in the Knoxville Super Regional but other factors kept the Crimson Tide locked in mentally for quite some time. Game 2 was a 14-inning marathon, being the longest NCAA Tournament game between SEC opponents.

One day later, a rain delay saw Game 3 pushed back by three hours before Alabama ultimately wound up winners. From there, the plan to give his team two days off was implemented. A rest day after arriving back in Tuscaloosa early in the morning and then no team-related activities before heading out to Oklahoma City.

“We didn’t get home until like 3:45 (a.m.) Monday morning,” Murphy said. “Three-hour rain delay will do that. So, we gave them Monday off, which was our day off for the week. And then today (Tuesday) we said just get on the plane at 1 (p.m.).”

Alabama will play the first game of the day on Thursday, facing off against UCLA at noon CT. An early start only adds to the equation of some fatigue kicking in at some point for the Crimson Tide.

If a national championship does come back to Alabama, there will be a lot of credit to be given. But Murphy will have to give another tip of the cap to Saban, helping preserve his players in the grind of a postseason.