Sports

Alabama's Saban quickly turns thoughts to challenges of 2013 season, potential three-peat

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Alabama head coach Nick Saban speaks at a BCS National Championship college football game news conference Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013, in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Alabama defeated Notre Dame 42-14 Monday night to win the national championship. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (The Associated Press)

Alabama head coach Nick Saban acknowledges the fans after the BCS National Championship college football game against Notre Dame Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, in Miami. Alabama won 42-14. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (The Associated Press)

With another national title under his belt, Alabama coach Nick Saban is already turning his thoughts to next season.

The Crimson Tide coach said Tuesday morning he wants his players to appreciate what they accomplished in winning a second straight BCS title and their third in four seasons. The morning after a 42-14 demolition of Notre Dame, Saban also says that next year's team hasn't won a game and "we need to prepare for the challenges of the new season very quickly."

The 2013 team will almost certainly be regarded among the preseason favorites for a three-peat, even though three Tide stars — tailback Eddie Lacy, cornerback Dee Milliner and right tackle D.J. Fluker — could decide to skip this senior seasons and turn pro.

All-America linebacker C.J. Mosley has already said he'll return. So has quarterback AJ McCarron.