Iron Bowl: Alabama coach Nick Saban previews Auburn game

Alabama Crimson Tide Football Coach Nick Saban previews the Iron Bowl game against Auburn in this audio. You can listen to Alabama’s football coach talk about the game in the above player. Below is a few topics covered by Saban.

Saban called the Iron Bowl “one of the greatest rivalry games in the country.”

“it defines everything about football in the state of Alabama,” Saban said.

Saban said Alabama’s preparation has been good for Auburn. He praised Auburn as a team that has improved. He said it would be a challenge to play on the road in the SEC.

Saban said Josh Chapman has practiced and looked good.

Saban compared this game against Michigan-Michigan State and Ohio State-Michigan rivalry game.

“When you live in this state or in the Southeast, everybody is interested in the game,” Saban said. This intense interest increases the magnitude of the game.

Saban talked about A.J. McCarron’s development from entry into last year’s Iron Bowl following the injury to Alabama’s quarterback.

Saban commented on the potential return of Urban Meyer to college football coaching.

Saban was asked about streaks in a rivalry game. Saban said he did not worry about history, but was focused on the future. Saban said previous games were close, and he expects this year’s game to go down to the wire too.

Saban said, the game deserves the best exposure from this type of game, but both teams should have the same opportunity to prepare.

“If one team has a short week then both teams should have a short week,” Alabama football coach Nick Saban said about previous Iron Bowl games played on a Friday.

Saban talked about last year’s game and its potential impact on this year’s game. He said the focus was on this year’s team and not last year’s.

Saban talked about injuries on the offensive line. “Hopefully, we will get everyone back and healthy and ready to play and be effective,” Saban said.

Saban said the Arkansas-LSU game would be a good game, but didn’t plan to watch the game. He would prefer he and his players watched Auburn film.

Saban talked innovation and where to look for new ideas. Saban said there was much to learn from every level including high school, other colleges and the NFL.