Final Countdown To Pasadena: Saban Pleased With Practices.

The University of Alabama football team has one more practice before the break for New Year's. The players will regroup on Friday and travel to Pasadena as a team, boarding the university's corporate jet for the journey.

The team had four practices this week. The first practice, as Saban put it, allowed them to "get the Christmas hangover out of them" and refocus on the goals for this game. As a result, the Alabama team had three very successful practices.

According to Saban, the practice fields are in relative poor condition due to the weather and season long wear. On Wednesday, much of the practice was held indoors. Two practice sessions were conducted in pads, the last practice, on Thursday, will be in shells.

Every player is healthy and ready to play. James Carpenter was back and participated in the full practice. Carpenter missed the first two practices due to the flu. Marquis Johnson performed well and was involved in his routine cover packages despite suffering a broken bone in his hand last week.

Saban commented on the players preparedness:

"The players are back at full speed and they have stayed focused. Conditioning is not an issue. The extended break can sometimes cause problems with focus and conditioning but these players have not let this happen."

"Emotionally, they are ready to play this game. There is still more time than we usually would have, so we have to continue to work, not peak too early, and be ready to play on January 7th."

When asked questions regarding individual players, Saban answered with a general team perspective. "The receiving unit, as a whole, has played well all season. Not only in catching the ball but in making blocks, sustaining blocks down field, and making a huge contribution to the success we have had this year."

He also commented on the success that the team had with people stepping up during the year to fill needs created by personnel losses during the course of the season. His comments were highly complimentary towards the team as a whole, careful not to give an individual too much praise.

In doing this, Saban is repeating the message to the media that he has expounded to the players in team meetings. The accomplishments on the field this year are because of a complete team effort. There is no one individual responsible for the success of the entire team.

In listening to the players' individual interviews, the message has been received and accepted without variance. Javier Arenas, Greg McElroy, Earl Alexander, and Mark Barron discussed the practices and team preparation with the reporters on hand at the press conference.

Each player, with their own personal flair, stayed on the message of team unity. Questions regarding Mark Ingram and Rolando McClain were answered by the players in the context of their respective roles with the offense and defense.

Because of his personal experience and initial commitment to Texas Tech, quarterback Greg McElroy was asked to comment on the situation regarding Mike Leach.

"I have a tremendous amount of respect for Coach Leach. It's a tough situation for Coach Leach and for the James family. Obviously, the Texas Tech administration did their homework and made the tough decision to take the action they did."

He continued with his comments: "Having known coach Leach, he is a nice person and looks out for his players. I spent a lot of time with Coach Leach, it's very upsetting to me."

For McElroy, the season has been a story book come true. Born in California, he learned to play football in the little league fields, "not knowing the difference between a downfield pass and a toss sweep."

His family moved from California to Texas where he continued to excel in the sport. As a senior in high school, he led the Southlake Carroll to the 6A Texas State Championship.

McElroy stated: "Living in Texas, understanding what Longhorn Football means to the people in the state of Texas." Being a player at Alabama, I also understand what Football means to the people here. It means a lot to me to have had this perspective."

Earl Alexander made it clear to reporters that even though this is a dream come true, this is a business trip. "We are going out to California to win the National Championship."

"We are preparing as if the player across from us is the best player at that position in the entire world. My role is to prepare so that when my number is called I will go out there and make the play. Make the play when they call my name."

Earl Alexander is the first player born in Phenix City, Alabama to compete for a National Championship. Phenix City is home to players such as Jeremiah Castille, and Woodrow Lowe (played at Central High in Phenix City, born in Columbus,GA). Auburn Track star and Olympian Harvey Glance is from Phenix City. Glance is now a track and field coach at the Capstone.

The great "Bo" Jackson, Pat Sullivan, Joe Cribbs, Tracy Rocker, and Cadillac Williams all played football for a small agricultural college close by Phenix City, now know as Auburn University. While they increased the popularity of the game, these players did not have the opportunity to play for a national championship.

Roll Tide.