Saban sees bowl game as opportunity for team

A bowl trip to Orlando in December may not have been what Alabama envisioned when the season kicked off, but Tide coach Nick Saban doesn’t want his team to waste the opportunity to earn a win over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl.

“We have a lot to prove in this game in terms of we were a little disappointed in how we finished the season and this is an opportunity that we have to play well against a good team,” Saban said following his team’s practice on Friday.

No. 13 Alabama (10-2) began the season as the favorite to win the SEC, claim a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals and a return to the national championship game for the fifth consecutive season.

But two losses and an injury to star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa later, the Crimson Tide find themselves shut out of the playoff semifinals for the first time.

Saban, however, sees this as an opportunity.

“I think playing well in the game helps the future of the program,” Saban said. “I think a lot of young guys get an opportunity to play in this game. I think we have like eight guys that started the season as starters that will not be playing in this game for whatever reasons. Most of them because of injury; a couple of guys chose not to play. For the guys that get experience, I think it’s invaluable.

“I think from a team standpoint, we have a lot to prove, so I would like to see the guys in this class, the seniors and the people who play their last game here, have something to be proud of in terms of what they accomplished and what they’ve been able to do.”

Senior linebacker Anfernee Jennings said the Citrus Bowl matters to him.

“It would mean the world,” Jennings said. “We go into every game prepared to win, so we’re going to play and have the best game and play to the best of our abilities.”

Added defensive back Shyheim Carter: “Every week, we try to play to the Alabama standard, so every week we try to have something to prove.”

Avoiding distractions: Players this week face the challenge of balancing preparations for Wednesday’s matchup with Michigan while taking part in a variety of fun activities, including a visit to Universal Studios.

“I talked to the players about how we want you to have a good time and we want you to enjoy yourself but we also want to play well in the game,” Saban said. “… When you’re in meetings and when you’re at practice, you need to focus on the things that you need to do, so you can go out and perform better. It creates value for every individual on our team and it creates a lot of value for our team and our program if we play well.

“So far, the players have been pretty mature about that part of it.”

Jennings said it isn’t hard to put things in order.

“We know what we came here to do,” said Jennings, who has 73 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks on the season. “We came here to play football and get a W, so in our mind we’re doing that but we’re also going to enjoy ourselves.”

Added Carter, “When it’s time to lock in, we’re locked in. When it’s time to have fun, we have fun but you also have to lock in when you’re having fun, too.”

Tua ill: Several injured players made the trip to Orlando and were at practice on Friday.

“Tua’s here too,” Saban said of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who’s sidelined indefinitely as he recovers from a hip fracture he suffered against Mississippi State on Nov. 16. “Tua’s a little bit sick today, stayed in his room.

“Those guys are all in rehab programs, including Tua. They’re here with the team doing what they can to contribute to their future with the team in every way. Josh McMillon [knee injury] is here as well. LaBryan Ray [foot injury] is here doing rehab so we can try and get where they need to be to be able to perform.”

Saban reiterated none of those players will be available for the Citrus Bowl.

Aschoff tribute: Saban took a moment during his opening remarks following practice Friday to honor Edward Aschoff, an ESPN reporter and University of Florida graduate who died at age 34 on Christmas Eve.

“I would like to express my thoughts and prayers to Edward Aschoff, who was a great journalist for a long time at ESPN. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family,” Saban said.