Live updates: Nick Saban and John Harbaugh hold Rose Bowl press conference
Alright, let’s do this one last time. Alabama football and Michigan have had all week to prepare for the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl.
On Sunday, one day before kickoff, both head coaches met for a joint press conference and photo opportunity.
–Harbaugh is ready to “attack the day” ahead of the game.
–Saban congratulated the Wolverines for their undefeated season and noted that UA will work to clean some stuff up in its preparation on its final day of work.
–Harbaugh said it’s going to take “all 11″ to stop Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe.
–”I don’t reminisce much,” Saban said when asked about UA’s past Rose Bowl appearances, including the 2009 National Championship game.
–”There was a lot to unpack there,” Harbaugh said of a question comparing the momentum UA brings to the game and if it’s “overshadowing” the Wolverines. Harbaugh said the team is in a good place and has approached the prep well.
–Saban is asked about Michigan’s trick plays on offense and noted it’s “complimentary” to a lot of the plays that the Wolverines usually run.
“You never know what’s coming up next so you have to be focused on every play.”
–”I think Jalen has made a tremendous amount of progress throughout the course of the year,” Saban said. “ … The success that he’s had has gradually increased his confidence.
“The guy has always been a good ad-libber.”
–Harbaugh said UA wideout Isaiah Bond excels at creating separation and extending plays when Milroe scrambles.
–Saban continued to praise the maturity of Caleb Downs.
–Saban said Alabama may have overlooked the Iron Bowl after clinching the SEC West. Saban called it a learning experience for how his team has to prepare no matter who the opponent is.
–Harbaugh said Michigan will watch a movie together tonight, “get the red blood pumping a little bit.” Harbaugh said he got a “darn good” night of sleep heading into Sunday.
–”We really need to stay focused on what we came here for,” Saban said, “… If we have to motivate guys to play in this game, that’s probably not a good thing.”
–Harbaugh and Saban agreed to rather talk about the “future of the sport” at some point, just not 28 hours before the Rose Bowl. Saban called it a good question and an important topic.
–Harbaugh said Alabama has two potential first-round picks at cornerback, likely referencing Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold.
“With that combination of pressure and really good coverage, I’d say there’s no weak points.”
–”We’re really not concerned,” Saban said when asked about Michigan’s sign-stealing scandal and how it’s impacted game prep. Saban reiterated he hopes one day there will be a jump to the “NFL system” with helmet communicators.
Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].