Is It Too Early for Title Talk for Nick Saban and Alabama?

Is it too early for title talk in Tuscaloosa? Not according to Nick Saban.

"I didn't come to Alabama to win eight games and go to a bowl game." Saban told me, "I came here to win Championships."

He said that during the first few weeks he came to Tuscaloosa, so it's not surprising that he still feels that way now. As this season has progressed, Saban's views have not changed.

"It's important to set goals as a coach, as a team and as players," Saban explained. "And if your goal isn't to be the best, you're not doing yourself or your fans any favors."

"Will we always be the best? Of course not. But is that the goal you should shoot for? Of course it is and you get there by making the commitment to get just a little better every day, every practice and every game." he continued.

"For coaches, that means bringing in the best possible talent to fill the holes that come from graduation and injury, to providing that athlete the opportunity to be his best with good coaching, instruction and guidelines to help him succeed."

"For players here, it means embracing the goals that have been laid out, working hard, having a commitment for improvement and a willingness to follow the rules and be a good team mate, student and person."

"We owe it to our fans, fellow coaches, athletes and students to always be involved in the championship picture. With our fan base, facilities, administration and ability to draw talent, there is no reason we shouldn't be," Saban concluded.

Indeed, Alabama does have all the pieces of the puzzle in place, but most fans thought it would take a little longer to put them all together though.

Currently, Alabama has a team that, at least on paper, can compete for this year's title. Currently rated as the No. 2 team, their fate is in their hands. If they finish the regular season undefeated, they will once again be on familiar ground, as they will face Florida, once again, for a chance to play for the championship.

While Saban is not afraid to boldly say that he expects to be in the title picture, he takes each game one at a time as a good coach and team should.

If the Tide makes it past an always tough LSU squad, title talk will intensify. To Saban though, that intensity will not create more pressure on him or the team. Each week he and the team draw one game closer to the goals they set together.

This week's bye gave them a much-needed break to heal up some sore bodies, to relax both their bodies and minds, and to take a breath from the season that has seen both comfortable wins and scary near-misses.

"Everyone needed this off week." Saban said. "After a few days to rest and relax we'll be ready to get back to work and finish the season."

They started this season with title talk as the goal, so for them, no, it's not too early to talk about it, it's been happening all season long.