Saban Calls Penn St. Game a "Psychological Thriller"

On Wednesday, Alabama football head coach Nick Saban spoke with reporters.

After a light chat with the press corp and a few simple questions answered by the head coach, Saban discussed the psychological preparation necessary to have his players ready for this game. That includes getting into the correct state of mind to play effectively on the road, eliminating the clutter, not worrying about the weather and going up against a very good Penn State team. An improved team from the one that they faced last year, and one that will present significant challenges during the game that will need to be overcome.

He then discussed the development of Phillip Sims and AJ McCarron. He expounded even more on the use of the two tight end offense and the challenges that Michael Williams and Brad Smelley present to the opposition because of their particular skill sets. Williams is a better blocker. Smelley is more versatile because of his athleticism, his hands and his knowledge of the game because of his prior experience as a high school quarterback. 

At about the 8:42 mark of the Wednesday press conference, some dim whit sports reporter asked Saban if he was any closer to settling on the top five for the offensive line and naming starters for the Penn State game. You could see it in his expression, the pause in his diction, the motion of his hands: He had had enough of the stupidity, the misdirection of the press and the ridiculous nature of the assumptions.

It's no longer the game that seems to be the issue for the reporters, but what kind of storyline they can come up with prior to game time. Paraphrasing Saban, "What is it with you guys?" "What don't you understand about player development? ....Because we interchanged a few guys in the last game when we were up by 21 points, you think there is some dilemma with the players! Where do these questions come from?

He clarified, "We've got five guys that played together for an entire season. And then 20 spring practices followed by 29 fall practices. They couldn't have played any more together. We've got five starters!"

Saban went further in his characterization of the stupidity displayed by the question. To summarize, Saban asked out loud, "What about player development? We got a young guy, several young guys, that we want to develop for the offensive line. How are they supposed to develop if we don't put them in the game?"

And with regard to Phillip Sims: "How does he develop as a quarterback if we don't put him in the game and give him some snaps against a real opponent?"

He ended his exasperated tirade by simply stating, "I don't get it with you guys, but this does nothing for me...I guess you can try to make some kind of story out of it, but it does nothing for me—I guess you can tell."

Readers, if this doesn't tell you anything about what Saban is doing in this early part of the season, let me simplify if for you: He is giving his players a chance to develop on the field of play while there is a chance. The road gets tougher in a few weeks, beginning with SEC play.

Kent State, even Penn State as well as North Texas are a warm up to the real season that lies ahead. He wants his athletes prepared. He wants depth at every position, experienced depth. And he may not wait to be up by 21 points before he puts those players in to compete.

Winning is certainly a priority. But with the athletes they have to work with, player development is a higher priority for Nick Saban and his staff. And it's a great sign to the fanbase that Saban has reached the point with his player personnel that he has no strong concerns when a new player enters the game.

He has had top recruiting classes for five years. The athletes at his disposal are proven winners and have made it through his practices, his camps and they know what he expects. He is ready to live up to his promise as a recruiter and get them onto the field where they can get much-needed live game experience.

As educated readers of Bleacher Report, I hope you get the picture. And please, no more guessing as to who is starting where and how many snaps they will get at this or that position. Saban has had enough. Just sit tight and watch the game. Enjoy what is happening at the Capstone and how Alabama football unfolds for the season.

All in all, a psychological thriller for sure. Roll Tide Roll.