TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Nick Saban, his Alabama football team ranked outside the top 10 of the Associated Press poll for the first time since 2015, is as realistic as he is resolute.
Even after six national championships, Saban understands the restlessness that surrounds his program right now. It goes with the territory when you build the kind of dynasty he has in the SEC, one that some in the college football world suggest could be crumbling. «The standard here doesn't change, but this is also a test of your humility,» Saban told ESPN on Thursday. «You say, 'Hey, I don't care what anybody says.
I know what the expectations are.' But, I mean, how many people have been able to go 16 years and not have a bump in the road?» Alabama (2-1) faces No.
15 Ole Miss at home on Saturday. That's after the Crimson Tide slopped its way last week to a 17-3 win over South Florida, which went 1-11 a year ago and gave up 41 points to Western Kentucky in its 2023 season opener.