Skip to main content
Sunday, November 15, 2026Nov 15

Bama players motivated by sour ending to season

Alabama coach Nick Saban speaks to the media at the Southeastern Conference NCAA college football media days Thursday, July 17, 2014, in Hoover, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama coach Nick Saban speaks to the media at the Southeastern Conference NCAA college football media days Thursday, July 17, 2014, in Hoover, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

HOOVER, Ala. (AP) – Alabama players have a different motivation going into this season.

Instead of trying for a second or third straight national title, the Crimson Tide is seeking redemption from back-to-back losses.

Receiver Amari Cooper said Thursday at Southeastern Conference media days that this situation is much more motivating than trying to defend a title. Cooper says the rough finish “humbles you and it makes you hungry.”

The Tide was once again declared the favorite in media voting at Southeastern Conference media days, and figures to again be one of the handful of preseason favorites nationally.

Alabama coach Nick Saban says the Tide’s approach must be to “check your ego at the door.”