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04-23-2007, 06:08 PM
92,000 On Hand For Saban's Debut At Alabama Spring Game
April 22, 2007 5:29 p.m. EST
Todd Sikorski - All Headline News Sports Reporter
Tuscaloosa, AL (AHN) - The Nick Saban era at the University of Alabama started off with a bang on Saturday as over 92,000 attended the Crimson Tide's spring game.
Numerous fans that continued to show up were turned away at Bryant-Denny Stadium, as the attendance nearly doubled the school's all-time mark for the event.
That show of support is something that definitely did not happen during Saban's short and disappointing tenure with the NFL's Miami Dolphins. The coach could be partially to blame for that, however, as he is known for his prickly manner that clashed with fans and local media.
Alabama fans are not familiar with that side of Saban yet. Or at least, they are willing to give the new team's head coach the benefit of the doubt. Some fans even treated the coach like a rock star as they wore shirts that said "Sabanation" and "Got Nick?"
The turnout clearly moved Saban.
"It shows the passion that people have for the University of Alabama, and it certainly makes me feel great about being here as head coach," he told AP.
Fans were treated to a 20-13 victory by the White team over the Crimson club. Quarterback John Parker completed 18-for-36 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns.
Saban's part in the affair was mostly quiet. He did pace the field as the action was taking place, but was mostly taking everything in as an observer, especially the team's demeanor.
"You see the body language," he said. "You see how guys react and respond. I thought that was better."
April 22, 2007 5:29 p.m. EST
Todd Sikorski - All Headline News Sports Reporter
Tuscaloosa, AL (AHN) - The Nick Saban era at the University of Alabama started off with a bang on Saturday as over 92,000 attended the Crimson Tide's spring game.
Numerous fans that continued to show up were turned away at Bryant-Denny Stadium, as the attendance nearly doubled the school's all-time mark for the event.
That show of support is something that definitely did not happen during Saban's short and disappointing tenure with the NFL's Miami Dolphins. The coach could be partially to blame for that, however, as he is known for his prickly manner that clashed with fans and local media.
Alabama fans are not familiar with that side of Saban yet. Or at least, they are willing to give the new team's head coach the benefit of the doubt. Some fans even treated the coach like a rock star as they wore shirts that said "Sabanation" and "Got Nick?"
The turnout clearly moved Saban.
"It shows the passion that people have for the University of Alabama, and it certainly makes me feel great about being here as head coach," he told AP.
Fans were treated to a 20-13 victory by the White team over the Crimson club. Quarterback John Parker completed 18-for-36 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns.
Saban's part in the affair was mostly quiet. He did pace the field as the action was taking place, but was mostly taking everything in as an observer, especially the team's demeanor.
"You see the body language," he said. "You see how guys react and respond. I thought that was better."