Alabama Football: What Saban and the Players Had To Say After the Alabama Win

Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer) In interviews with Nick Saban and the players after the game, I learned some things that surprised me and would please the Alabama fans.

While Nick Saban did share a smile and a laugh over a story of substituting centers at the one-yard line after a turnover, he was serious when he said there was a lot of room for improvement.

He was pleased at times with the defense, but said there were lapses that needed to be fixed. He thought both quarterbacks did some good things but was really displeased with one of the blatant interceptions.

He thought the offensive line could have done a better job and the receivers needed to be more consistent with their catches.

Overall, he thought there was still a lot of work to do and a lot of room for improvement. This from a team that won 48-7.

As for the players I interviewed, most, like Saban, felt there were lots of room for improvement, and none of them believed that they didn't need to improve on their own game.

Courtney Upshaw said that though he tries to be a leader to those behind him in the depth chart, he is content to let Dont'a Hightower be the vocal leader of the defensive front. Upshaw said that's not his style and he chooses to lead by example.

Marquis Maze had a good day, but all he could dwell on was the muffed punt and his own personal room for improvement. He was also down on himself for a missed catch. He said he thought the team was in good hands with either quarterback and it was good to see them make reads and check off like McElroy used to do.

Kellen Williams, the backup center, was hurt, so Vlachos had a long day. Barrett Jones proved his versatility by taking that job for a while to give him a rest. In all, Jones played left tackle, guard and center today.

Eddie Lacy had a nasty cut from his helmet getting shoved down on his eyebrow and looked like a boxer who had finished a nasty 13-round fight. He said he had fun at times, but that he still needed to work harder.

When I teased him asking if he had a hot date tonight, he said, "No, my momma and family are here so I'm going to enjoy some family time!"

Nothing will help his boo boo more than his mother fussing over him.

Trent said that he didn't think he did as well as he is capable of playing. When I asked him if there was extra pressure on him having his name mentioned every time the media talks Heisman, he said no.

He said to him, that's a team award and if he won it, he'd have to give to "Nochos" and then he smiled and said, "Vlachos." That made me wonder if I have stumbled on a pet nickname of center William Vlachos.

In an endorsement, he said that he was impressed with the play of Vlachos and that he likes running behind him. He laughed and said, "That's a big ol' boy!"

I asked big Jesse Williams how it felt to finally play his first game in Crimson and he said it was everything he'd hoped for and he really enjoyed his day. The grin on his face was priceless and reviewing the tape I didn't get it and was really disappointed.

I would have loved to have shared the grin on that young man's face.

All the players were already echoing their coach in what must be the company line, that there a lot of things to work on and fix before taking on Penn State at their home.

Most players and even Coach Saban were pleased with the play of several of the freshmen. Vinnie Sunseri was a headhunter on kick and punt return coverage and Trey DePriest almost took the head off one returner.

Overall, the game settled the question for everyone who had doubts (and I was never one of them), of who the starting quarter was and is.

It also saw the 'Bama punter Cody Mandell turn in a good game and get rid of his "shankitis."

We know the offense can score enough points to allow that defense to lead the Tide to many wins.

But the main thing I learned in my interviews today was that this team is hungry.  They aren't content with just winning and they feel like they still have a lot to prove.

For Tide fans, this is awesome news. For opponents, it's going to be a long game when they play this Alabama team.

Larry Burton is a Syndicated Writer and Alabama Football Featured Columnist. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained first-hand.