Alabama’s Nick Saban goes on rant ahead of UL Monroe matchup: ‘Didn’t I say this on Monday?’

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Alabama head coach Nick Saban has made it very clear over the past week – don’t listen to the pundits or the betting odds when heading into any ballgame, regardless of the opponent. 

In the week leading up to the matchup against Texas, Saban let his feelings be known about Alabama being favored by 20 points, referencing Alabama’s loss to Texas A&M as heavy favorites during the 2021 season.

Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the Longhorns game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Sept. 10, 2022 in Austin. (Tim Warner/Getty Images)

"Everybody has heard that we’re 20-point favorites in this game," Saban said last week on "Hey Coach," his weekly radio spot. "And last time we were 20-point favorites, and we went to Texas, we got our a-- kicked." 

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Saban was correct to caution against buying into the hype, as then-No.1 Alabama squeaked by with a 20-19 victory. 

And as Alabama prepares for its Week 3 game against non-Power 5 opponent UL Monroe, Saban is doubling down on his message. 

"That’s your opinion on quality of opponent. It’s not mine," Saban said Wednesday when asked how he judges offensive growth considering the variations in the quality of opponents each week. "I respect all of the people that we play, and I respect winning and what you have to do to win.

Head coach Nick Saban arrives at Bryant-Denny Stadium before the Utah State game, Sept. 3, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

"And every player should not be focused on who they’re playing against relative to their motivation, but every player should want to be the best