Nick Saban Agrees With Alabama Critics, Takes Blame for Early Loss

The longtime Crimson Tide coach isn’t happy with the way he’s prepared his team in the wake of a 1-1 start.

Alabama is off to a 1-1 start to the season after a thorough second half defeat at the hands of Texas last Saturday in Tuscaloosa.

The Longhorns proved to be the tougher, better and more explosive team in the 34–24 victory over the Crimson Tide, and Alabama coach Nick Saban has heard his critics loud and clear following the loss.

In fact, he agrees with much of the criticism.

“I talk to the players a lot about internal standard versus external noise,” Saban began. “I think that we didn’t play great. So you know, people get upset that we get criticized. But why wouldn’t we get criticized if we don’t play well? I mean, people call me and say, ‘Hey man, this guy’s a jerk for saying this about you.’ No, he really isn’t. I mean, it’s right. We didn’t play good. I’m responsible for that. …” Saban said to reporters.

“In the real world, when you don’t perform and don’t produce, you probably get criticized. Sometimes get penalized. Some people lose their job when they don’t perform well. That’s maybe even worse than losing a game, when you can’t feed your family and your children and all that, can’t make a house payment. That’s worse.” 

Saban says Alabama football critics are right, talks backlash passionately. pic.twitter.com/hHq9C0nXLi

— Michael Casagrande (@ByCasagrande) September 13, 2023

Texas accounted for 454 yards of total offense, with quarterback Quinn Ewers turning in an efficient 24-38 passing performance for 349 yards and three touchdown passes to no interceptions. In addition, the Texas defense made Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe produce from inside the pocket, which is something he wasn’t able to accomplish against the feisty Longhorns defense. Milroe turned it over twice, which proved to be an important part of the outcome for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama is better than a four touchdown favorite on the road at South Florida this weekend, where Saban and his team will look to bounce back from its primetime loss.