TIDE-TIGERS NOTEBOOK: Saban takes time to talk to former LSU players

TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama coach Nick Saban took some extra time after the 41-34 loss to LSU on Saturday night to talk with some of his former players at midfield.

“My initial feeling was that it was like playing someone in your family,” Saban said. “I wish them well and like to see them doing well. I am proud to see how some of them developed into successful young men, and I want to watch them continue to be successful in their lives. That feeling for them just doesn’t go away.

“After the first play, it wasn’t an issue in the game. They focused on what they had to do and it was nice to say ‘hi’ to them afterwards.”

Saban had recruited 17 of LSU’s starters to Baton Rogue before leaving for the NFL’s Miami Dolphins after the 2004 season.

At LSU, he produced a record of 48-16 (.750), one national championship (2003), two Southeastern Conference championships, three SEC West Division championships and a 3-2 record in bowl games.

However, both Saban and the players insisted that there was no talk of trying to win the game for the coach, and he even discouraged the idea.

“No one ever said that,” Saban said. “Players should have won it for themselves. It was about them, their game.”

“To hear him say that let us know that he was serious,” Alabama senior end Wallace Gilberry said. “It wasn’t about him. It was definitely about us, and what we did and didn’t do determined the outcome of the game.”

Record watch

Senior DJ Hall’s 67-yard touchdown reception moved him into ninth place on the SEC career receiving yards list, with 2,758, surpassing LSU’s Wendell Davis (2,708).

Hall also moved into sole possession of second place on the Alabama career touchdown list with 17, after being tied with Ozzie Newsome. Dennis Homan (1965-67) has the record with 18.

Junior quarterback John Parker Wilson moved into third for pass attempts in a career (729), third in career completions (410) and fourth in passing yards (4,915).

Sophomore Javier Arenas’ third punt return for a touchdown is one behind David Palmer’s school record of four.

Injuries and starters

As expected, junior center Antoine Caldwell, sophomore running back Glen Coffee, junior guard Marlon Davis, sophomore defensive back Marquis Johnson and sophomore defensive back Chris Rogers all remained suspended for a violation of institutional policy involving impermissible receipt of textbooks.

Sophomore Evan Cardwell started again at center, and junior B.J. Stabler at right guard.

Defensively, Rolando McClain started at linebacker and with Alabama in nickel formation Arenas was the extra defensive back for his first start.

Junior linebacker Ezekial Knight (ankle) didn’t start but was in the regular rotation, and junior return specialist Jonathan Lowe (ankle) was back at his normal role. Lowe also had 10 carries for 34 yards at running back.

“He did a decent job,” Saban said of Lowe, but the head coach also indicated that the offensive line’s blocking would have made it difficult for any running back

Sophomore left tackle Andre Davis was sidelined for a play in the second quarter and replaced by senior Chris Capps.

For LSU, All-American senior defensive tackle Glen Dorsey (knee) wore a protective brace and started but was injured when Alabama senior Justin Britt fell on his right leg midway through the first quarter. Dorsey returned early in the second quarter and finished with five solo tackles and two assists. He had one sack for a loss of 6 yards.

Among the numerous other LSU players who were shaken up but returned were junior linebacker Darry Beckwith, junior guard Herman Johnson and junior end Marlon Favorite.

National attention

On hand for Saturday’s game were representatives from the Sugar, Orange, Cotton, Florida Citrus, Outback, Chik-fil-A, Liberty and Independence bowls.

Alabama issued more than 600 media credentials, by far the most this season. National media included the New York Times, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, CBS Sportsline, ESPN.com, Yahoo.com, Sporting News, Rivals and the New York Post.

Tide-bits

Alabama’s team captains were Justin Britt, Marcus Carter and Darren Mustin. … F/A-18 Super Hornets based out of Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach, Va., performed the pregame flyover. The lead aircraft was piloted by Lt. Wrenn Landers, Class of 2002 and brother-in-law of senior special-teams player Forress Rayford. … The 1977 SEC hampionship team was recognized at halftime. … LSU won the coin toss and deferred.

Reach Christopher Walsh at christopher.walsh@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0196.