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Alabama football coach Nick Saban found himself in the awkward position of feeling out of control as he watched Saturday’s game against Auburn while isolating himself from his home after a COVID-19 test positive earlier in the week.
Saban said the coaching staff had done a “wonderful job” in handling the situation, and he singled out Steve Sarkisian for handling two roles as offensive coordinator and interim head coach.
The Alabama No.1 earned a 42-13 home victory over No.22 Auburn as quarterback Mac Jones threw for 302 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions.
Despite this, Saban admitted he felt “a little helpless” at times, yelling at things and unable to do anything because the rules prohibited him from contacting his coaching staff during the match.
“I think I shouted on TV a few times today,” Saban said. “A few times when we made some blanket mistakes. A few times when we missed tackles. A few times when Mac didn’t throw the ball to the guy I thought he should have thrown it to.”
Saban knowingly laughs.
“So I guess it was more than a couple,” he says.
Saban said he wished he could have been there for the seniors who were honored before playing their last game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.
DeVonta Smith was among them. The Louisiana senior caught seven assists, a team-high for 171 yards and two touchdowns, building on his lead in career touchdown catches at an SEC best 33.
“The Iron Bowl is such a great and competitive place that means so much to so many people,” said Saban. “Man, that was really hard [not being there], especially the fact that I feel good. But I did what I could to prepare the team throughout the week. I was involved in whatever we could do, until 90 minutes before the game, then we just had to sit down and watch from a distance. “
Saban thanked Sarkisian and the staff for executing the game plan and doing a good job of managing situational football.
Still, the 69-year-old coach seemed eager to return to the squad soon.
“It’s a little different,” Saban said, watching the game from home, “but it always feels good to win.”
Saban is to remain in quarantine for at least 10 days, making his return to the squad as soon as possible the day before next Saturday’s game at LSU.
According to the SEC protocol, at least 24 hours must have passed since the last fever without the use of anti-fever medications and improvement in symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, etc.) has occurred, according to current guidelines for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. for isolation.
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