Tide Tidbits - September 2, 2008

Saban: Don’t get cocky
The Tide’s 34-10 dismantling of a Clemson team picked to win the Atlantic Coast Conference was certainly an eye-catching debut, especially considering the large number of freshmen seeing their first action. Last year’s 41-17 victory against No. 20 Tennessee was pretty impressive, too. Then came losses to LSU, Mississippi State, Louisiana-Monroe and Auburn. “It was pointed out in our defensive back meeting,” safety Rashad Johnson said. “Coach [Kirby] Smart said, ‘Look, last year we had a big win like this against Tennessee, and then things turned around.’ “We need to take this win and use it as a springboard, but we definitely can’t live on it too long.” Saban said it’s easier for coaches to turn their attention quickly to the next game than players.

A one-man wrecking crew
When the University of Alabama football players left the field at the Georgia Dome following Saturday’s dominating 34-10 victory against No. 9 Clemson, many had that “I told you so” look when asked about nose guard Terrence Cody. Yes, he was big. Yes, he could move. Yes, he was everything expected and more.

Alabama's Mike Johnson could step up at tackle for injured star Andre Smith
A sturdy 6-foot-6 then, like now, Mike Johnson first signed with Alabama expecting to play left tackle. More than two years later, he was finally correct. "I came in as a left tackle and I started here as a left tackle," Johnson said. "I moved to right tackle after a while, moved to left guard my redshirt freshman year. So I've played it all since I've been here.

Alabama's 24-hour rule more important than ever vs. Tulane
For coaches, moving forward is a given. For players, that can be a problem. In touch with his player's emotional conundrum, Saban has a 24-hour rule. Instead of immediately dismissing a big win, Saban wants them to dwell on it. Replay the game in their heads. Accept as many congratulations as are warranted. Allow the national media to jump aboard the bandwagon. For one day, the game is allowed to work its way through their system. Then, re-center. It's more important this week than ever.

Roll Tide!