TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland has been around Nick Saban long enough to take some satisfaction when the coach is smiling after a game.
The challenge now is keeping Saban happy. The third-ranked Crimson Tide's celebration of a win over LSU is tempered by the reality of another tough game Saturday at No. 20 Mississippi State, but it did bring some joy even to the ever-intense coach.
"Y'all will never see coach smile or happy like that unless something good happens on the field," Ragland said Monday.
The 30-16 victory over the ninth-ranked Tigers, coupled with a Mississippi loss, left Alabama (8-1, 5-1 Southeastern Conference) needing only to keep winning to make the league championship game with a shot at a return trip to the playoffs.