Saban Respected But Dantonio Revered In East Lansing
"I think Mark has done far more than I ever dreamed that I could have done at Michigan State," Saban said.
Watch CBS News
"I think Mark has done far more than I ever dreamed that I could have done at Michigan State," Saban said.
It documents the disrespect the Spartans have faced all year.
The second-ranked Crimson Tide started preparation Wednesday for the Dec. 31 semifinal against No. 3 Michigan State at the Cotton Bowl four days after Henry won the Heisman Trophy.
"You know, as crazy as it sounds, I stood there and pointed at the ring that I had on my finger the day I was announced that I believed it could happen here, because it had happened here in the past."
The Spartans are getting at least one piece back before the matchup against Alabama, when starting safety R.J. Williamson makes his return.
Alabama's defense has plowed through Southeastern Conference competition, preying on suspect quarterback play and corralling talented running backs.
Alabama running back Derrick Henry was the biggest star of college football's awards night, as he won the Maxwell Award, given to the college player of the year, and the Doak Walker Award given to the nation's top running back.
It only took one preseason scrimmage for Calvin Ridley to deem himself ready for the Southeastern Conference.
Dantonio's comments will give you goose bumps.
"Mark has exceeded expectations of all of us in terms of what he's done at Michigan State and certainly done a better job than I ever did there," Saban said Sunday.
The uniforms that Michigan State will wear when they take the field at the Cotton Bowl will be familiar ones.
"It was fun, you know. I didn't know what the Detroit fans expected."
Alabama will start its season with a new quarterback in the NFL stadium where Blake Sims and the Crimson Tide wanted to be last January.
I think it's a safe bet that if Musburger calls an Alabama game this year he will make sure you know all about Maddie Peterson.
TCU is No. 2, followed by Alabama, Baylor and Michigan State.
Alabama's Alpha Phi sorority made a recruitment video that makes it appear that these girls smile all day, every day.
Guide to five of the most important cities to visit in the South for music lovers
Alabama and Loretta Lynn also scored pre-telecast awards.
A local woman traveled to Selma, Alabama to participate in the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
Later this week the Heisman Trophy will add one new member to the most exclusive fraternity in sports. It is widely expected that Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota will hear his name announced as the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner, which would make him the first player in program history to win the highest individual honor in college football.
The stage is now set for the first College Football Playoff, and it is going to be fantastic. Unfortunately, somebody had to be left out of the big party, and this year the Big 12 saw not one but two worthy candidates be shutout of the playoff.
This week's slate of conference championship games not only serves as an appetizer or opening round to the College Football Playoff, but it doubles as the grand stage for this year's top Heisman candidates to showcase their stuff and perhaps offer a signature Heisman moment before the votes are due.
The College Football Playoff will determine college football's first national champion in the new playoff model in January, but the real playoff begins this weekend.
Since we are upon our great day of gratitude, a pretext for gorging on poultry and then taking our swollen torsos to the nearest television for some football, let's look to sports for reasons to give thanks.
Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota looks to be the favorite this season, but Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon also has a decent shot to win the award. Everybody else may be playing for third place.