Tide’s Fitzpatrick: ‘Some people just don’t like us’
Alabama running back Damien Harris (34) works through drills during practice in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama is embracing a different role going into these playoffs.
The fourth-ranked Crimson Tide players can’t technically call themselves underdogs since they’re actually slight favorites over No. 1 Clemson in the Sugar Bowl, but they know some view them as interlopers who don’t belong in the playoffs this time. They had to sweat it out for more than a week before getting a postseason reprieve.
All-America safety Minkah Fitzpatrick believes that period of uncertainty — and contentions by Ohio State fans and others that Alabama wasn’t the most worthy No. 4 seed — can fuel the Tide.
“People were counting us out that didn’t want us in there,” Fitzpatrick said. “Some people just don’t like us. It’s true. But I think it definitely helped as motivation and fuel, especially if we do what we’re supposed to do and get to where we want to be, I think it will help us a lot.”
When you’ve won four national titles in the past nine years, you latch onto whatever motivational source you can find. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, asked if Alabama feels like an underdog, pointed out: “They’re the national champions, we’re not. So ...”
The Tide (11-1) hasn’t ranked lower than No. 2 in three previous playoff appearances, twice holding down the top spot.
This Alabama team was a muchdebated playoff pick after failing to make the Southeastern Conference championship game. The Tide closed the regular season with a 26-14 loss at No. 7 Auburn in the Iron Bowl.
Cornerback Levi Wallace said the team, which wasn’t challenged all that much the rest of the season, has to learn from that feeling after a loss.
“It’s just something internally,” Wallace said. “We know we didn’t finish the season the way we wanted to and we want to make sure that never happens again. We want to show the younger guys, now you know what it feels like. It’s a different city after you lose.”
And it left Alabama players in the rare position of trying to prove they belong in the playoffs. Linebacker Anfernee Jennings said they’re “absolutely” thinking of themselves as underdogs.
“I think a lot of people felt like we didn’t deserve to be in the playoffs,” Jennings said. “But we felt like we should the whole time and we’re ready to go in and dominate.”
Wallace thinks the Tide has another role, that of the villain in college football. He said it doesn’t bother him “even a little bit” that File, Vasha Hunt / AL.com via AP some people don’t like ’Bama.
“We’re seen as the villain,” Wallace said. “I’m sure a lot of people don’t like Alabama because we’re always so good each and every year. That’s something Coach (Nick) Saban has instilled in us. Trying to be the best we can be. Just being the University of Alabama, whatever you guys (the media) say we are, that’s what we are but we’re definitely the bad guys in college football.”
This team doesn’t enter the playoffs with an impeccable resume partly because an opening win over No. 3 Florida State lost its luster when the Seminoles struggled the rest of the way. The Tide’s only other wins over ranked teams came against No. 16 LSU (24-10) and No. 24 Mississippi State (31-24).
Now, Alabama gets a rematch against the team that toppled the Tide in the national championship game, a defeat that fueled them through the offseason.
“Our whole motto was finishing, so I think that really helped us in the offseason,” Alabama tailback Damien Harris said. “But now, we’re just focused on us and we’re focused on playing our best football. I know we’re playing a great team and they’re going pose a lot of challenges to us, but we feel like if we play our best football, it gives us a good chance to win.” The Associated Press
PAK CHONG, Thailand — Kiradech Aphibarnrat has withdrawn from an Asian Tour satellite event with a back injury, meaning the Thai golfer will finish the year at No. 49 in the world and earn an invitation to the Masters.
The top 50 in the final world ranking of 2017 earn spots at Augusta National.
Kiradech is No. 51 this week and was projected to move to No. 49 provided he didn’t play. However, he qualified for the Boonchu Ruangkit Championship, named after an esteemed player and pioneer in the development of Thai golf. By adding the tournament, Kiradech would have needed a top-10 finish to secure his spot in the Masters.
The Asian Development Tour said he withdrew before the first round. The Associated Press
MILWAUKEE — The Brewers have boosted their starting rotation depth, finalizing contracts with free agent right-handers Jhoulys Chacin and Yovani Gallardo.
Chacin’s $15.5 million, two-year deal and Gallardo’s $2 million, oneyear agreement were finalized by Milwaukee on Thursday.
Chacin, who turns 30 in January, went 13-10 with a 3.89 ERA in 32 starts last season for San Diego.
“I have been really working hard to get to the point where I can pitch and don’t think about anything (except) making outs, making my pitches,” Chacin said. “I was able to do that — just go out and have fun pitching.”
He gets a $1.5 million signing bonus payable within 45 days of the contract’s approval by the commissioner’s office and salaries of $8 million next year and $6 million in 2019.
Gallardo, 32 in February, was selected by Milwaukee in the second round of the 2004 amateur draft and was 89-64 with a 3.69 ERA in eight seasons with the Brewers through 2014. He pitched for Texas the following year, Baltimore in 2016 and Seattle last season, going 5-10 with a 5.72 ERA.
“We all know that the last couple years haven’t gone (well) for me,” Gallardo said. “I think it’s just a matter of minor adjustments.”
Gallardo can earn $1.75 million in performance bonuses based on innings: $100,000 each for 50, 65 and 80; $150,000 apiece for 95 and 110; $200,000 each for 125 and 140; and $250,000 apiece for 155, 170 and 185.
He can make $250,000 for games pitched: $50,000 each for 30 and 40, and $75,000 apiece for 50 and 60. Milwaukee has sought starters. Righthander Jimmy Nelson is recovering from right shoulder surgery on Sept. 12, four days after he was hurt while diving back to first after rounding the base on a single. General manager David Stearns didn’t rule out bringing in more pitching.
“I think it’s a combination of eating innings and getting outs. Both Jhoulys and Yovani throughout their careers have demonstrated that they have the capability of doing that,” Stearns said.