Why Alabama DB thinks Tide is college football's villain
College football obviously isn't a popularity contest. The only 13 people who really matter are on the playoff committee.
A few Alabama players answered questions on Saturday about the Crimson Tide's standing among the general public.
"Some people just don't like us," said defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, "which is true."
That was in relation to Alabama getting into the four-team playoff after much debate with Ohio State. That doubt is fuel, the All-American said, when they prepare for the Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl with top-ranked Clemson.
Tide cornerback Levi Wallace smiled when asked if he agreed with Fitzpatrick's assessment of people's view of Alabama.
"I think he's right," Wallace said. "We're seen as the villain. I'm sure a lot of people don't like Alabama because we're always so good each and every year."
No beating around that bush.
"That's something Coach Saban has instilled in us," Wallace continued. "Trying to be the best we can be. Just being the University of Alabama, whatever you guys say we are, that's what we are but we're definitely the bad guys in college football."
The dynamic is a little different this year with Clemson coming into the playoff No. 1. Alabama lost its last game but still slipped into that fourth and final spot.
"They're the national champions," Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts said, "we're not. So ..."
College football obviously isn't a popularity contest. The only 13 people who really matter are on the playoff committee.
A few Alabama players answered questions on Saturday about the Crimson Tide's standing among the general public.
"Some people just don't like us," said defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, "which is true."
That was in relation to Alabama getting into the four-team playoff after much debate with Ohio State. That doubt is fuel, the All-American said, when they prepare for the Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl with top-ranked Clemson.
Tide cornerback Levi Wallace smiled when asked if he agreed with Fitzpatrick's assessment of people's view of Alabama.
"I think he's right," Wallace said. "We're seen as the villain. I'm sure a lot of people don't like Alabama because we're always so good each and every year."
No beating around that bush.
"That's something Coach Saban has instilled in us," Wallace continued. "Trying to be the best we can be. Just being the University of Alabama, whatever you guys say we are, that's what we are but we're definitely the bad guys in college football."
The dynamic is a little different this year with Clemson coming into the playoff No. 1. Alabama lost its last game but still slipped into that fourth and final spot.
"They're the national champions," Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts said, "we're not. So ..."
