To answer your question...To follow and conform to the direction of the coach, which should include absolute demands, backed with discipline, their absolute upper limits of physical and mental effort, doing things his way and no other.
Motivation, discipline, etc has to be driven by the head coach and his policies. If either is lacking, you get what happened in the Auburn game... ...a loss by a great collection of talent...
Let's not keep arguing about Saban blowing the Auburn game and the fact he got outcoached. Let's hope he get's it right next year. I'm guessing he will be obsessed with getting it right next year and will force his will next year.